12-1-2013
"Prepared for Christmas?"
Matthew 1. 18-25

PREPARED FOR CHRISTMAS? Matthew 1. 18-25 Lights, music, programs, all part of PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS. I.  HOW MIGHT MARY AND JOSEPH HAVE PREPARED FOR THEIR 1st CHRISTMAS? A.  Preparing to get ___________ B.  Preparing to fulfill their families’ traditions and expectations C.  Preparing for Mary’s ____________ II.  JOSEPH HAD PREPARED HIS _________ AHEAD OF TIME A.  A “righteous man.” B.  Righteous men/women make “right decisions” because they are the RIGHT __________ TO DO. C.  Righteous men/women make “right decisions” because they want to please God III. JOSEPH HAD PREPARED HIS HEART TO ________ AND THUS HE HEARD GOD’S MESSAGE…thru the Angel A.  Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife B.  She will give birth to the ___________…the Messiah C.  Joseph heard the command to name the child __________ IV.  JOSEPH HAD PREPARED HIS HEART TO ACT ON GOD’S WILL: A.  He ______ what the angel had told him to do B.  Took Mary as his ______, loved and respected her C.  Gave child the name Jesus. V.  ______ CAN YOU PREPARE FOR CHRISTMAS? A.  Prepare your heart ahead of time to BE ______________ B.  Prepare yourself to HEAR GOD’S VOICE C.  Prepare your Mind ahead of time to ________ HE WILL WORK IN YOU D.  Prepare to Serve God- in action, and obedience VI.  ARE _____ PREPARED FOR CHRISTMAS? A.  Prepared ahead of time to be righteous B.  TO HEAR, TO BELIEVE, TO DO? C.  As you prepare for Christmas this season…prepare for _______ also.