SERIES:  Searching

TITLE:   Searching for the Christmas Spirit

TEXT:  Luke 2:1-38 (p.857)

 I.    THE SHEPHERDS SHOW US

1)     The birth announcement to Zechariah and Elizabeth

2)     The angelic announcement to Mary

3)     The honor of Joseph

4)     The decree of Caesar Augustus

5)     The “No Vacancy” sign on the Inn

6)     The birth of Jesus

7)     The visit of the Magi to Herod

8)     The hatred of Herod

Genesis 46:33-34-“ When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

II.    SIMEON AND ANNA SHOW US

These are both stories of (faithfulness rewarded).

The lesson: faithfulness matters.

III.    MARY AND JOSEPH SHOW US

Mary did not understand but was willing to say, “Let it be to me according to your word.”

Joseph did not understand but was willing to say, “I will stay with Mary.”  He shows us what it is to be a quiet man, but a giant of a man in faith, dependability, and steadfastness.

NEXT WEEK:   No Longer Home Alone- Matthew 1:20-25