Joseph - A Faithful and Obedient Man of God Opening Prayer: Join together in a prayer of thanks for God's Holy Book - The Bible - trustworthy and true for all generations. Our Heavenly Fathers' holy book is one gift of many to His children - helping us to learn about His glorious salvation plan through His Son , Jesus Christ - the greatest gift of all. Memory Verse: Matthew 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Suggested Bible Reading: Mathew 1:18-25 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived: in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Follow Up Questions: 1. In this reading who did the angel of the Lord appear to ? vs. 20 2. Was Joseph asleep or awake ? vs 20 3. Did the angel tell Joseph what the name was to be of Mary's child ? ? vs 21 4. Did the angel already know that the baby would be a son ? vs 21 5. Fill in The Blanks: And she shall bring forth a _______, and thou shalt call his name ____________: for he shall save his people from their _______. 6. Did Joseph do as the angel of the Lord commanded him to ? 7. Fill in the Blanks to today's bible verse: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn ________: and he called his name __________. 8. Was Joseph obedient ? 9. Is obedience to God important ? Talk about it. 10. Read the following verses: But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. Jeremiah 7:23 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts:6-7 ____________________________________________________________ Hymn Time: Angels We Have Heard on High http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/a/n/angelswe.htm Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o'er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains. Refrain Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heavenly song? Refrain Come to Bethlehem and see Christ Whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Refrain See Him in a manger laid, Whom the choirs of angels praise; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise. Refrain ____________________ Today's Poem Tree of Life   Right on the top there is a star (A reminder of those who travelled afar) As branches of brilliant green fill up what is in-between. On every branch of the tree there are tiny sparkles of light, Creating a luminous appearance and a truly magnificent sight. Golden-stringed harps are heard playing by the angels nearby- Music sanctifies the air with peace throughout a wintry sky. Joyful children of all ages gather close round the tree to sing Songs of praise and thanks… giving glory to our Lord and King. Tree of Life brings more life, love and light to every seeking soul Granting grace, hope and liberty; making our fragile heart whole. We are those little lights that stand firm on branches of trust Believing in Him always, for He is merciful and just. What I celebrate and have been given to see Is that Christ is the Tree, perfect and blessed Come closer to see, my friend Receive the greatest Gift of all Be a light for Christ Among the branches Stand with us,stand tall.   Julie Pisacane © _________________________________________________________ Close With Prayer.