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Lectionary Guide

December 21, 2025

Fourth Sunday of Advent Matthew 1:18-21

Isaiah 7:10-16
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Romans 1:1-17
Matthew 1:18-21

lectionary:
Season of advent, Year a

Where Is Jesus When Life Turns Upside Down?

AIM Commentary

Sometimes, even if we're "doing everything right," life just turns upside down and we're left scrambling to find our footing.

This is one of those stories.

In Luke's gospel, we get Mary's breathtaking story. In Matthew, we get Joseph's side. And the events are anything but normal—but so is Joseph, in a good way.

It is a helpful story for us when we ask: Where is Jesus when life turns upside-down?

Note: I will be quoting from the ESV unless otherwise noted.

Ancient Lens

What can we learn from the historical context?

Engagement is a Big Deal

Matthew begins by telling us that Mary is betrothed to Joseph, which in Jewish culture was a…

Discussion Questions

  1. Put yourself in Joseph's position—how would you feel when you discovered Mary was pregnant? Could you be as kind? How would you react to the angelic message?

  2. How does this way of thinking about being "just" or "righteous" contrast with how people often think about what it means to be just or righteous?

  3. Why do you think it was so important that the Son of God be named "Jesus"? Why such a common name?

  4. In what sense is Jesus Immanuel — God-with-us? How…

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