Matthew 1:18-25 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. 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.

Matthew 1:18-25 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. 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.”

Matthew 1:18-25 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”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Leader: Jesus Christ, we proclaim today that you are the grace of God who has appeared bringing salvation to all people. As we wait for Christmas we believe that you are the God who loves us and who desires good for us. Response: For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.

Leader: As we consider Joseph today we recognize that sometimes you call us to be more gracious than we ever thought possible. We find peace in the fact that you are bigger than our best efforts. Response: And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Leader: As we light this candle today we are reminded that Jesus is the light of the world and that through Jesus light is coming into the world. As we wait for Christmas may we see your light more and more every day. Response: The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage. Wait for the LORD!

Leader: Jesus Christ, light of the world, we wait for you Leader: Jesus Christ, light of the world, we wait for you. And as we wait we remember that your grace means that God is bigger than our best effort.