1. 1

2. Understanding the Struggle between the Sexes
Genesis 2:24
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Genesis 3:16
To the woman He said,… “Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” 2

3. Embracing Life’s Interruptions
The early Christmas story characters teach us to
embrace interruptions 3

4. Embracing Life’s Interruptions
The early Christmas story characters teach us
in his position
embraced the forerunner
No matter who you are:
God has a message for you:
You choose your response:
There are consequences:
Be sure to learn:
Zachariah
A man of position
You are having a son
“How shall I know this?”
Unable to speak
“His name is John” 4

5. Embracing Life’s Interruptions
The early Christmas story characters teach us
in her reproach
embraced her pregnancy
No matter who you are:
God has a message for you:
You choose your response:
There are consequences:
Be sure to learn:
Elizabeth
An old barren woman
You are pregnant
Glorified God
Met the mother of her Lord
“He shall be called John” 5

6. Embracing Life’s Interruptions
The early Christmas story characters teach us
in her humility
embraced a miracle
No matter who you are:
God has a message for you:
You choose your response:
There are consequences:
Be sure to learn:
Mary
A young poor humble virgin
You will bear God’s Son
“I am the servant of the Lord”
Joseph & Elizabeth
Returned Home 6

7. Embracing Life’s Interruptions
The early Christmas story characters teach us
in his efforts
embraced reproach
No matter who you are:
God has a message for you:
You choose your response:
There are consequences:
Be sure to learn:
Joseph
A working man
Your fiancé is pregnant
Divorce her quietly
Reconsider marriage
He took His wife 7

8. Lean not unto your own understanding Elizabeth Mary Joseph
Conclusion: This Christmas season, don’t forget to learn from life’s interruptions
Zechariah
Lean not unto your own understanding
Elizabeth
Glorify God at all times in all circumstances
Mary
Believe that with God all things are possible
Joseph
Endure whatever God calls you to 8