This week, Pastor Chris continued in our Christmas series celebrating the wonder of God’s promise revealed through His faithfulness, His presence, and obedient faith. From the first promise in Genesis to its fulfillment in the birth of Jesus, God proves Himself faithful by sending a Savior who would defeat sin and dwell with His people as Immanuel. Through Joseph’s obedience, we see that God’s promises unfold through hearts willing to trust, listen, and act, even when the path is not fully understood.

The Wonder of God’s Faithfulness

Genesis 3:15 (ESV)

15 I will put enmity between you (Satan) and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he (Jesus) shall bruise (permanent crushing defeat) your head, and you (Satan) shall bruise (intense feeling of being pulled apart piece by piece but temporarily) his heel.”

Genesis 3:15 (AMP)

“And I will put enmity (open hostility)
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed (offspring) and her [a]Seed;
He shall [fatally] bruise your head,
And you shall [only] bruise His heel.”

Matthew 1:18–19 (ESV)

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.

Matthew 1:20–21 (ESV)

20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

The Wonder of God’s Presence

Matthew 1:22-23 (ESV)

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

This Is Wonderful

  • God came in flesh to walk where we walk.
  • He understands our weaknesses.
  • He draws near to the brokenhearted.
  • His presence is the greatest gift in every season.

The Wonder of Obedience

Matthew 1:24–25 (ESV)

24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Joseph’s Obedience Shows

  • True faith responds even when it doesn’t fully understand.
  • Obedience opens the door for God’s promises to unfold.
  • God entrusts His purposes to those willing to hear and obey.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does seeing God keep a promise over generations strengthen your trust in Him today?
  2. In what seasons of life has it been hardest for you to feel God’s presence? What was most helpful?
  3. What is one step of obedience you feel led to take this week—big or small?

Application Questions:

  1. Where in your life do you need to be reminded that God is still faithful, even if you can’t see the outcome yet?
  2. What are some practical ways we can become more aware of God’s presence in our daily routines this week?