Scripture Reading Matthew 1:18-25 2

A Special Christmas Presentation by CW Kids “Just a Little Christmas” 3

Immanuel: Our Greatest Need Matthew 1:18-25 © December 18, 2016 Guest Speaker: Bill Gaultiere 4

Christmas Carol Memories “O Come, O Come Emanuel”: a 12th Century Latin hymn O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel

Immanuel: “God is with us” “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” — Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 7:14 [NIV]

On the Outside Looking In Often in life we feel we don’t belong. We feel on the outside or insecure. When do you feel like you’re on the outside looking in?

Immanuel Comes For “Outsiders” Matthew 1:18-25 [NIV] 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

Immanuel Comes For “Outsiders” Matthew 1:18-25 [NIV] 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Immanuel Comes For “Outsiders” Matthew 1:18-25 [NIV] 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Immanuel Comes For “Outsiders” The genealogy of Jesus includes outsiders Mary is pregnant outside of wedlock. Publicly she’s wearing the Scarlet A. Joseph doesn’t believe Mary’s angel story (e.g., “God didn’t speak to me about this!”) But then God’s angel visits Joseph and he cares for Mary and protects her.

Immanuel is our Gentle Protector “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” — Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 7:14 [NIV] Ask yourself, “Am I living in an Immanuel world?”

Immanuel Breath Prayer: “Immanuel… God is with us.”

Book Table Free Scripture meditation guide Devotional sign up Books for sale (For personal devotions, small groups, gifts for a friend)

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE What is one of your favorite Christmas memories? How do you relate to Frank Abagnale’s story of being on the outside looking in? What is one thing you appreciate about Joseph that you can apply to your life?

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE Next Sunday at 11am The special time for Christmas Sunday Service will be 11am. We will have a significantly shorter yet meaningful service. There will be no communal lunch but some light snacks will be available afterwards. Let’s put Christ first on this CHRISTmas Day! INVITE your family & friends to worship with us. 18

*** Plan ahead and RSVP to the E-vite. *** SOLITUDE & SILENCE DAY 1/7 or 1/14 [Choose One] Start the new year 2016 with a clear focus by seeking God’s guidance in your life! 8:30am-12:30pm @Newport Beach Library Take turns as a couple—Don’t miss this! You can invite your friends as well. You will receive the E-vite soon. *** Plan ahead and RSVP to the E-vite. *** 19

WHAT’S COMING UP @CROSSWAY Mark your calendar for these important dates! 12/25 (Sun) Christmas Sunday Service @11am* (shorter service/no lunch) 1/1 (Sun) New Year’s Sunday Service @11am* (shorter service/no lunch) 1/7 & 14 (Sat) Solitude & Silence Day [Choose One] 1/8 (Sun) CW Family Annual Meeting @4:30pm 1/15 (Sun) Wade Harlan Speaking 1/29 (Sun) CW 9th Anniversary Sunday—INVITE Your Friends!!! 20