Christmas Through Their Eyes

This month, we will be taking a look at Christmas through the eyes of those who were there. Today, the story of Christmas will be told from Joseph’s point of view.

1: Like most couples, Joseph and Mary’s parents probably set up their marriage. They were engaged (informal) and later on betrothed (legally binding).

• Matthew 1:16 (CSB)
• Matthew 1:18 (CSB)

2: And then Mary gets pregnant! Joseph is in a moral, religious, and cultural dilemma:

• Deuteronomy 22:23-27 (CSB)
• Matthew 1:19 (CSB)

3: An angel appears first to Mary and sometime later to Joseph:

• Matthew 1:20 (CSB)
• Joseph showed great trust in the Lord and honored Mary.
• Matthew 1:24 (CSB)
• Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)

4: Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem:

• Luke 2:7b (CSB)
• Joseph was the decision-maker Mary needed him to be.
• Luke 2:7 (CSB)
• Joseph probably felt overwhelmed and unqualified, yet he clung to the promises of God.

5: Joseph named the baby “Jesus“:

• Luke 2:21 (CSB)
• Matthew 1:22–23 (CSB)
• Philippians 2:9 (CSB)
• Acts 4:12 (CSB)

6: Joseph took his family to church:

• Luke 2:22–24 (CSB)
• Ephesians 6:4 (CSB)
• One of the best ways to stir up mixed emotions and confusion in your family is to tell them to go to church but refuse to go yourself.

7: Joseph decides to stay in Bethlehem and the wise men see Jesus:

• Matthew 2:1–2 (CSB)
• Romans 8:14 (NLT) 
• Matthew 2:11 (CSB)
• Joseph stewarded what God provided, and it saved his family.

8: Joseph’s family flees to Egypt and then settles back in Nazareth:

• Matthew 2:13–14 (CSB)
• Joseph was obedient to God, wise in his decision-making, and hard-working for his family.
• Matthew 2:19–23 (CSB)

9: Joseph disciples Jesus:

• Luke 2:40 (CSB)
• Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
• Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NLT)

Joseph’s Story is a :

• This is a call for men to be a provider, protector, wise decision-maker, and a godly dad who disciples his kids.
• Joseph was .
• Are you being a modern-day Joseph for your family?
• The angel told Joseph, “Don’t be afraid.” The message is the same for you. 

Discussion Questions:

1. Joseph chose not to publicly shame Mary.
   How do you typically respond when someone disappoints or hurts you? What would it look like this week to choose grace instead of retaliation?
2. Joseph obeyed God immediately when the angel spoke.
   What is one area where you know what God wants you to do, but you’ve been delaying? What would “getting up immediately” look like this week?
3. Joseph honored Mary by putting her needs above his own.
   In your closest relationship, what is one concrete way you can put the other person’s needs first this week?
4. Joseph protected his family from danger.
   What does protecting your family look like today—emotionally, spiritually, or relationally? What’s one step you can take to strengthen that protection?
5. Joseph led his family to worship, to the temple, and to obedience.
   What is one spiritual habit you want to start or restart in your home this month?
6. Joseph listened to the Holy Spirit and adjusted plans accordingly.
   Where do you sense God nudging you to change direction right now? What would obedience look like leading up to Christmas?
7. Joseph worked hard and stayed faithful even in a foreign place.
   Where do you feel stretched or overwhelmed in your responsibilities? How can you show faithfulness this week in that specific area? Do you need to show appreciation to someone in your family who’s being faithful and hard working? 
8. Joseph discipled Jesus daily in real, ordinary life.
   What is one practical way you can disciple your kids or influence someone spiritually in your daily routine?