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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Matthew 1:18-25
Preacher: Pastor Jon Needham
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
MAIN POINTS: POINTS: 1) The Birth of Jesus 2) The Identity of Jesus 3) The Mission of Jesus
As we continue on in Matthew for our second week of Advent, it is made clear that Jesus is no ordinary baby. He is God with us, born of a virgin, made flesh to take on the sins of his people. Jesus is Immanuel, the Savior of the world.
Family Discussion Questions:
1. What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage?
2. What circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth challenge you?
3. What are some ways you can speak to someone who refuses to acknowledge the virgin birth as truth?
4. Why is it so important to know that Jesus is God and eternal?
5. Put yourself in Joseph’s position. How would you have reacted?
Parent Tip:
· Read the sermon summary together as a family. Build this into your regular routine, perhaps reading together around the table during a meal.
· There are five questions, each with a different theme. You can choose one night a week to go over all five, do a couple of questions a few times a week, or discuss one question per day.
· Each question is meant to be a conversation starter-model for your children how to answer these questions by sharing your own personal insights.
· Even if your conversations don’t go as planned, don’t be discouraged. ALL time spent talking about and reading God’s word is valuable!
· The more consistent you are in having these discussions, the more fruitful they will be. As this becomes part of your weekly rhythm, your kids will anticipate the questions and listen more attentively at church.
Other Scriptures
- Isaiah 7:14
- Luke 1:34
- Micah 5:2
- John 1:1-3
Parent Tip:
Use these additional scriptures as daily reading. This is also a great way to help your children learn to locate passages in the Bible.
Attribute of God:
IMMANUEL: Jesus was born of the virgin Mary and was God made flesh to live a sinless life among us.
Parent Tip:
We focus on a new attribute of God each week to discuss as a family. Use this time to discuss who God is, answer questions the kids
might have, and talk about what that week’s attribute means to each person in your family.
Prayer Focus:
FAMILY: Spend some time this week praying for a generous heart.
Parent Tip:
Each week of the month has its own prayer theme: Church, Family, Community, and Repentance. Use these themes to show your children how to pray. It can be helpful to add this to an already existing routine, like at bedtime or when you’re in the car together.
THIS MONTH:
Silent Night
Silent Night, Holy Night
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon virgin, mother and child,
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent Night, Holy Night,
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from Heaven above,
Heavenly Hosts sing Alleluia,
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!
Silent Night, Holy Night,
Son of God, Love’s pure light,
Radiant beams from Thy Holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.
Parent Tip:
Each month we highlight a different song for you to sing together. Singing is an integral part of worship! Singing as a family helps teach the kids how to worship at church, and as they learn more songs, they will be able to participate more on Sunday mornings. You can practice your songs in the car, at the dinner table, when you wake up, or at bedtime! You can also check out our playlist on Spotify and sing along with your favorite worship songs.
Memory Verse:
Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).”
Parent Tip:
This is the same memory verse that the whole church is learning and it rotates monthly. Practice reciting it as a family each day at least once. Dinner time is a great opportunity to practice together.
New City Catechism:
Questions 33: Should those who have faith in Christ seek their salvation through their own works, or anywhere else?
Answer: No, everything necessary to salvation is found in Christ.
