Matthew 1:18-25

​Thoughts:          Of course I thought Mary was pretty.  She was slender and graceful, and she had a dimple in her left cheek that flashed when she smiled.
 
But she was more than pretty; she was sweet and kind and thoughtful.  I was very much in love with Mary.
 
Then the ugly rumors started.  People raised their eyebrows when they looked at me; they shrugged their shoulders; they avoided me.
 
Mary came to me and clutched my hands.  “Joseph!  You must believe me!  Yes, I am with child.  But my child is god’s son!  Joseph, I have been chosen – I have been honored – to bear God’s Son.  The angel came to me and told me I had found favor with God, that I was blessed among women.  And I need you, Joseph. Please believe me.
 
I held her childish body close, and I did believe her.
 
Discussion:        What would have happened if Joseph had refused to believe the angel of the Lord?
 
Activity:              Like Joseph, let us do as the angel of the Lord bids us.
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Remember in prayer this week Francis Corera, Bob Grusnick, Vivian Hansard, Sandy Northey, Robin Ostergaard and Mildred Parker.
 
Congratulations to our cookie bakers on Sunday.  First place winner was Frank Glidden, second place was Linda Pushman, and Ann Stevens came in third. 
 
Don’t forget this Friday is the Red Cross Blood Drive from 1:00 to 6:45pm. 
 
Also Friday night beginning at 7:30pm is the Madison Chorale with our own Kathy Deyo singing.  Discount tickets are available in the office.  Don’t miss this special Christmas performance.
 
This Sunday night at 5:00pm is the Young Adult Dinner. 
 
Remember on Christmas Eve when the “Hallelujah Chorus” is sung, you are invited to come forward IF you have rehearsed with the choir on Wednesday, December 21, at 7:30pm.  Please join us for this one-time rehearsal and be part of Christmas Eve, the 7:00pm service.
 
Planning on completing your 2016 pledge by year-end?  Checks, cash, but not monopoly money, will be accepted until FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30TH, AT NOON.  Any monies contributed by this time will be included in your official 2016 giving statement.