Christ has delivered us, so He calls us to be thankful all year. 1. Enter the gate of The LORD to give thanks! (v.19-21) 2. See/marvel at The Lord's action to deliver us! (v.22-27) 3. Pray 'You are my God – I will give thanks to You!' (v.28-29) How does this Psalm get fulfilled in Jesus? Who is the stone that was at first rejected? Ephesians 4:11-12 How does the stone relate to believers? 1 Peter 2:4-7 What was the marvelous thing that God did? Matthew 21:33-46.

The faithful actions of God to save His people Israel are at the same time effective for saving people from the whole world. 1. Call to praise God: a) extended to all nations b) extended to all peoples. (v.1) 2. Reasons to praise God: a) His steadfast love to us is great. (v.2a) b) His faithfulness to us is everlasting. (v.2b) 3. Renewed call to praise God. (v.2c) What do we know about God's purposes in the world? Who is the one Savior? Rom. 4:11-12; 15:7-11, Gal. 6:16, Rev. 7:9 Where are both 'steadfast love'& 'faithfulness'? Ex. 34:6, Jn. 1:14 How are non-Israelites in? Gen. 12:1-3, Ex. 12:48-49, 2 Cor. 1:20

At the end of each year, reflecting on our journey, we rejoice that The LORD is our keeper. 1. Where can we look for help? (v.1-2) 2. What does the LORD do for us, and how consistently? (v.3-7) 3. When does it start? (v.8) How do we know that everything will be okay? Who should keep us? Gen. 4:9, Is. 64:1 Rom. 8:35-39, Heb.12:3 The sages of wisdom ask us if we know whose name? Prov. 30:1-4 What will it be like in the future? 1 Cor. 1:8, Rev. 21:23

We are comforted that Jesus came the first Christmas and fulfilled all hopes, and so we are encouraged to eagerly anticipate His second coming. 1. Simeon waited in the temple, in the Spirit, so do we. (v.22-25) 2. Simeon's eyes saw God's salvation, and so do we, with eyes of faith. (v.26-31) 3. Simeon spoke of additional blessings yet to come, and so do we. (v.32-35)

The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem serves as an enduring sign of the core meaning of Christmas – which is movement from hopelessness to hope through Christ alone. 1. Imagining the scene of hopelessness in Zion - the people of God under attack and being humiliated. (v.1) 2. How was hope restored? By God's announcement that He will send a kingly ruler to deliver them, born in Bethlehem. (v.2-3) 3. More than His birth is promised – Jesus will… a) stand & shepherd them in the strength of The LORD b) be great c) be their peace d) deliver them from their enemies. (v.4-6) Where do we turn for hope in discouraging times? Into what city was King David born? 1 Sam. 16:1-4, Luke 2:4 Who brings together those who are apart? John 10:16, Eph. 2:17-22 How will this prophesied shepherd rule? Mt.12:15-21, 2 Cor. 10:3-5

God the Father gave His Son as our Savior - as promised, in order to demonstrate His faithfulness – so that we would join in worship. 1. The sign given – Christ as a baby in a manger. (v.12) 2. The sign fulfilled – the Savior being celebrated, wondered, treasured, pondered. (v.13-19,21) 3. God being glorified and praised by both heaven and earth. (v.13-14,20) Why is it so significant that Jesus was placed in a manger? How did they know this child was a deliverer? Luke 1:71 What is the meaning of the name Jesus? Matthew 1:21,23 Why does reconciling God and man require Jesus? Col. 1:19-20.