Family Bible Study - 4th Sunday of Advent

Gospel Passage
Matt. 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but
before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the
Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and
unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her
quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do 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 as your wife, for the child
conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son,
and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from
their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken
by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Look, the virgin shall
conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from
sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her
as his wife.
Questions for discussion -
1. What does the name “Jesus” mean? (Hint: the Angel tells St. Joseph what it
means in verse 21.)
2. We also call Jesus “Emmanuel.” What does this mean? How is this true in
your life? Is God with you, too?
3. What was miraculous about the birth of Jesus?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry