Matthew 1:20–23 (NLT) “CHRISTMAS HAS BECOME COZY. ADVENT CALLS US TO STAY AWAKE.” ~ N.T. Wright God human faith. Matthew 1:20–23 (NLT) 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.’ ” “Faith is not the absence of doubt, but the determination to keep moving while holding the Father’s hand.” ~ Max Lucado Faith is a reassuring confidence what's seen. Hebrews 11:1–3 (NLT) Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. 3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. The foundation of our faith is the of our God. 300 OT prophecies fulfilled by Jesus: Birth & Lineage Place & Circumstances of His Birth His Ministry & Mission Rejection & Suffering Crucifixion Rez & Victory WHAT NOW? Take a step of faith (not a leap). Trust God’s goodness even in your uncertainty. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION 1. What stands out to you in the traditional Christian Christmas story? a. Why do you think it’s not learned as a story of faith (ex: Zechariah, Mary, Joseph) ? 2. What’s your faith story — a. What compelled you to take your “step of faith” to trust Jesus as your rescuer from sin & separation from God? OR b. What’s holding you back from taking that step? 3. Does the following “straight talk” seem helpful to battle any doubt? a. “If you have trouble rooting your confidence in God’s past faithfulness & loving character, ask yourself : what more could he do to prove to you that he can be trusted?”