As we wrap up the year-long theme of “Courageous: Crafted for More”, we end with a beginning. The end of following Old Testament laws, and instead now follow…a baby? It took a lot of courage for everyone involved in the birth of Jesus, and each one of them shining example of being crafted for more.
Dec 7 “Those People” Matt 1:5-6
Matthew has quite the perspective on who Jesus is. He watched the Savior tear into churchy people, while showing grace to someone like him: openly sinful and hated. So, in telling the complete history of Jesus’ birth, Matthew tosses in some unlikely relatives of Jesus: all of them messy, and all of them redeemed. Maybe, then, you and I stand a chance at the same.
Dec 14 “That Guy” Matt 1:18-23
Ever feel overshadowed by your significant other? Or a classmate? Or coworker? You do everything asked of you, don’t say anything, but it’s the other person who always gets recognized? Joseph, hurt but holy, knows that feeling. And what can we learn from his example? Always do the next right thing.
Dec 21 “That Kid” Matt 1:24-25
Joseph now has to make a choice: divorce his wife or what her deliver a kid that isn’t his. And never will be. His choice? Always choose “that kid.” Maybe we should, too.
Dec 28 “That Place” Matt 2:19-23
Have anything from your past that gives you anxiety? For Joseph, it was a place that God had told him to run from. Now? God wants him to go back there. (Uh, no thanks!) How do we face the fears of our past and still please God?
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