The Advent Event – December 24th

December 24th – Mary and Joseph Traveled to Bethlehem

Luke 2:1-5

Mary and Joseph Traveled<br /> to Bethlehem

Luke’s clear, straightforward telling of the story of Jesus’ birth anchors the events in history and links them to prophecy. God uses an emperor’s decree to guide a Galilean couple to Bethlehem (2:1–5), so the Messiah might be born in David’s hometown, the locale of His predicted birth (vv. 6–7; cf. Micah 5:2). Ecstatic choirs of angels share the news of His birth with local shepherds (vv. 8–15), who find and worship the Christ Child (vv. 16–20). (Excerpted from Bible Reader’s Companion)

 

 

Personal and Family Faith Talk Questions

  1. What traditions from your childhood do you observe in your family today?
  2. What event happened that forced Mary and Joseph to go to Bethlehem?
  3. Why did they need to be in Bethlehem?
  4. Do you think it was easy for them to make the trip so close to Mary’s time?


Advent Application

Even our best laid plans are thankfully no match for the plans and purposes of our Sovereign Lord.

Prayer

Sovereign Lord – you know the end from the beginning. Not a bird will fall from the sky, nor a mighty King rise to power, without your knowledge, control, and purposes being accomplished through it. We confess Lord that so often we think we are in control of what happens in our own world – we make our schedules, we buy our food, we take our vacations, we plan for our future and the future of our children – often without the acknowledgment of “not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42) Father, help us to be responsible and good stewards of the incredible abundance of money, possessions, and time that you’ve given us. And help us to equally be movable and shape-able into whatever you want us to do or to give, or wherever you want us to go. Thank you that you are in the business of using a mighty pagan Caesar, a talking donkey, a converted church persecutor, and even me to accomplish your will. Take my life and let it be, Consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise. Amen.

For the Kids

Hand Motion: Swing bent arms back and forth as if marching.
Sound: Say “We’re going to Bethlehem, going to Bethlehem…”

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