"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." (Matthew 1:18, ESV)

"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." (Matthew 1:20)

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:" (Matthew 1:22, ESV)

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14, ESV)

"When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus." (Matthew 1:24-25, ESV)

Joseph: Fear

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child." (Luke 2:4-5, ESV)

"And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." (Luke 2:6-7, ESV)

The same God that used Mary, is still choosing to use ordinary people to accomplish His mission today.

Mary: Overwhelmed

"…because there was no place for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7b, ESV)

Innkeeper: Occupied

"And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"" (Luke 2:10-14, ESV)

"And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them." (Luke 2:16-18, ESV)

Shepherds: Amazed

Jospeh: Fear

Mary: Overwhelmed

Innkeeper: Occupied

Shepherds: Amazed

What do you feel when you focus on Jesus?

"All of us hide things about ourselves—things we don’t want others to know or see. Because if they did, they would leave us. God knows and sees those things. And he promised that he would never leave you. The worst parts of you do not tempt God to give up on you." -Tullian Tchiividjian

Homework

1. What do you feel when you focus on Jesus?

2. What might be happening in your life to make you feel that way?