Advent Begins

Clay Smith JFBC

First Sunday of Advent 

Matthew 1: 18-25

Advent is about waiting for the  coming of the Lord, like a POW in a cell, waiting for the end of the war, waiting through a difficult season.

Following about hope, joy, peace, and love. Lots of hopelessness in the world today, dealing with loss and strained relationships, dying deaths of despair. How does this story relate to my life now?

Like many scandals today, Jesus was born amidst an epic scandal.

What is Hope? Holding on with Persevering, Confident expectation.

1. Hope when we don't know what to do. Joseph was in a situation where he didn't know what to do. He was a righteous man v 19 v 13 he had a trade, perhaps a carpenter. Poor. At some point we don't hear from him again. We don't hear him speak any word, but he remained obedient to the Lord.

Back then there was no dating, instead marriages were arranged. He was betroved to Mary. She told him that she was pregnant. How would you react if you were Joseph? He didn't shame her. He didn't put her away quietly. Instead Joseph bore Mary's shame. In these times we can cling to God.

2. Hope when we are told what to do. God communicated to Joseph in a dream, the night before Joseph was to act v 20. Joseph was commanded to do two things. What is miraculous isn't the birth but the conception. Without the virgin birth you don't get Jesus.

The angel told Joseph to name the baby Jesus. Comes from the same root word meaning "God Saves". Back then Jews wanted a political deliverer. They thought their greatest problem was external, but Jesus came to save them from their own sins.

At six Clay stole a toy eraser that his mother wouldn't buy. Later he felt shame. We lie, we gamble, we drink in secret. We sin. But Jesus came to save you and me from our sins. This is part of God's great overall story - but Joseph doesn't know this.

Galatians 4:4-7 an awesome passage.

3. Hope when we do what we are told. v 24-25. Joseph acts on what he is told to do. He obeys. Nothing has changed, but now he has hope. It's about obedience not understanding.

Ask: how should the hope of Jesus change the way we view our schedules, relationships, and circumstances? 

Dan Rice Sunday School 

1 Peter 5:6-11

Luke 8 and Mark 4 Jesus calms the storm

Hebrews 1:3

Hebrews 13:8

Col 1:17 

God is our refuge and strength 

16 in attendance 

Luke 9:12-17 Jesus Feeds the 5000

12. Late in the day the disciples told Jesus to send the crowds away, so they could find food and lodging.

13. Jesus told the disciples to feed them. They only had 5 loaves and 2 fish.

14. There were about 5000 men, plus women and children. Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit in groups of 50.

15-16. Jesus looked up to heaven and blessed the loaves and fish.

Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to give to the crowd.

17. They all ate and were satisfied. What was left over filled up 12 baskets.