On Sunday, Christmas Day the Renew family gathered to celebrate the moment and occasion of Christ’s Birth. We had gathered under dim lights on Christmas Eve to consider “The Light.”

Our focus on this day was to consider the gift of courage given to Joseph, through the angel reminding him, “Do not be afraid,” and the resulting life of generosity, wisdom, and courage the husband of Mary embodied from that moment.

Songs:

Message title: Immanuel: God With Us (Christmas Day)
Fifth Sunday of Advent
Scriptures: Matthew 1:18-24
Preacher: Jeff Patterson
Date: 12/25/16

Listen or download:

Scripture reading:

Matthew 1:18-24 (NLT)

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah

18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
    She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
    which means ‘God is with us.’”

24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.


Audio for this teaching may be played above, and is included in the RENEW Church podcastsubscribe in iTunes here, or access the church podcast feed directly here.

This year each of us are invited on an adventure to look up and love God first. What will be your plan to develop a new rhythm of seeking God each day? » Find some help here.