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  1. Read Matthew 1:18-25 slowly, out loud together with your group. What are some key details that jump out in this passage that might get overlooked? 

  2. Do you have a favorite ‘Christmas’ memory?

  3. We often hear people throw around the term, “the true meaning of Christmas”, yet that term’s definition changes depending on who is saying it. How is the ‘true meaning of Christmas’ played out in your home, heart, and or family?

  4. Consider the response of Joseph to Mary’s pregnancy before the angel’s appearance.  What types of feelings and emotions must he have been experiencing? Now consider Joseph’s action and response after the angel’s appearance. How does the miraculous nature of this pregnancy shape Joseph’s long-term plans, considering he would now live the rest of his life with doubts, muttering and suspicion regarding his wife?

  5. There’s meaning in a name – Jesus means “God saves”. His purpose is to save people from their sins. How do you understand this central purpose of Jesus' ministry?

  6. How might the reality of Jesus being “Immanuel” or “God with us” be such good news? What connection do you see between the meanings of ‘Jesus’ and of ‘Immanuel’?

  7.  Fast forward to Matthew 28:20, the last verse in Matthew’s gospel. What parallel do you see to ‘Immanuel’ and how might that impact how we live life together?

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