Matthew 1:18-21
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Main Idea
The Holy Spirit, the true Spirit of Christmas, makes Christmas powerful, personal, and purposeful.
Outline
1. The Holy Spirit makes Christmas powerful (verse 18)
2. The Holy Spirit makes Christmas personal (verses 19-20)
3. The Holy Spirit makes Christmas purposeful (verse 21)
Discussion Questions
The Holy Spirit makes Christmas powerful (v18)
Why is it significant that Matthew is so clear about the role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ conception?
What does this verse teach us about who Jesus is and where His authority comes from?
How does the involvement of the Holy Spirit remind us that Christmas is ultimately God’s work, not human effort?
Where do you need to trust the Holy Spirit’s power rather than your own control this season?
The Holy Spirit makes Christmas personal (vv19-20)
How do Joseph’s initial plans show his character and humanity?
Why do you think God chose to speak directly to Joseph through an angelic message?
What does this tell us about how the Holy Spirit meets people in moments of fear, confusion, or uncertainty?
How does knowing God cares about individual obedience shape how you see your own choices this season?
The Holy Spirit makes Christmas purposeful (v21)
What is the clear purpose of Jesus’ coming according to this verse?
Why is it important that Christmas is ultimately about salvation from sin?
How does understanding Jesus’ mission shape how we celebrate Christmas today?
In what ways can your celebration of Christmas reflect its true purpose this year?
Looking Forward
In the upcoming days and weeks, which of these three aspects of Christmas, do you feel most called to focus on this upcoming week? How do you intend to practically focus in on and live out that truth?
Prayer Focus
Pray for a deeper trust in God’s power rather than your own effort.
Pray for release from stress, control, and the pressure to make Christmas perfect.
Pray for renewed faith that God is actively at work, even when things feel uncertain.
Pray for awe and wonder at the supernatural work of God in the incarnation.
Pray for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in daily decisions.
Pray for courage to obey God when obedience feels costly or confusing.
Pray for peace in areas of fear, disappointment, or unanswered questions.
Pray for grace to trust God’s character when His plans differ from your own.
Pray for repentance and renewal where sin has dulled your joy in Christ.
Pray for opportunities to point others to Jesus through words and actions.
Pray for intentionality in how time, money, and energy are used this season.
Pray that your celebrations would reflect Christ’s mission, not just cultural tradition.
Pray for a Christmas shaped by the Holy Spirit—marked by power, closeness to God, and gospel purpose.