Additional Scriptures

Isaiah 63:7–9; Psalm 148; Hebrews 2:10–18

Prelude

Gathering Song (encourage multilingual singing)

“All Creatures of Our God and King” CCS 98

OR “Jesu, Tawa Pano / Jesus, We Are Here” repeat several times CCS 71

Welcome

Call to Worship — Responsive Reading

Leader: Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!

Congregation: Praise the Lord!

Leader: Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!

Congregation: Praise the Lord!

Leader: Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars!

Congregation: Praise the Lord!

Leader: Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the heavens!

Congregation: Praise the Lord!

Leader: Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created. He established them forever and ever…

Congregation: Praise the Lord!

—based on Psalm 148

Song of Praise

“When We Seek Language” CCS 61

OR “Creator God, Creating Still” CCS 60

Invocation

Focus Moment

“Listen to the Still, Small Voice” (see section at end of this Outline)

OR Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 162:1 (explain these verses are about listening closely to God)

Hymn of Listening

“Listen in the Silence” sing several times CCS 153

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle.

Prayer

Compassionate and Loving God, we gather to welcome what is being born within us. We meet you in creation’s sacredness—in burning-bush moments, angelic songs, and quiet feathers on a breeze. We choose gratitude for your sacred generosity in the Christ Child and commit to pass gratitude into the world. At the manger, we kneel to your light and love, trusting the world is about to turn. In Jesus’s name, the Peaceful One, Amen.

—Cheryl Saur, used with permission

Proclamation Scripture Reading

Matthew 2:13–23

Song of Confession and Thanksgiving

“As Joseph Lay in Troubled Sleep” CCS 439

OR “The Love of God” CCS 210

Proclamation Message

Based on Matthew 2:13–23

Ministry of Music or Congregational Hymn

“Lully Lullay, Thou Little Tiny Child” CCS 447

OR “Joseph, Son of an Ancient King” CCS 443

Disciples’ Generous Response

What Can I Give?

Read “In the Bleak Midwinter,” stanza 4, CCS 422

Share a personal “What Can I Give?” moment.

Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes

Song of Commitment

“God’s Love Made Visible!” CCS 411

OR “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” CCS 409

Sending Forth

God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn… Christ has come among us!

Postlude

Listen to the Still, Small Voice — Details

Preparation: Place a softly audible fan or ticking clock near the front. Bring a radio/music maker (off initially). If desired, invite children forward.

Read D&C 162:1 (the “Listen…” passage). Explain listening closely to God.

Invite the group to notice how many “voices” vie for attention (ads, pets, teachers, family, friends). Ask: Do you try to listen to multiple things at once?

Play brief music; then stop and invite people to name all sounds they heard. Invite a second listen without the music—notice the fan/clock they had tuned out. Turn it off and notice the silence.

Connect: Often the most important sounds are quiet—the shy friend, creation’s groan, or God’s still, small voice. Practice listening for what matters most.

Gathering

Welcome

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light the peace candle.

O Lord of all creation, enfold us with calm in an age of confusion. Teach us lasting truths of your peace to share with others. Stir concern that all be treated humanely and equally. Guide us to alleviate suffering. Help us see the Divine in every creature, keep space in our hearts for difference, and teach us tolerance. May we uphold the image of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

—Barbara L. Beal

Spiritual Practice

Praying the Psalms

Leader reads Psalm 139:1–6, 23–24 (NRSVue, adapted), pausing after each verse and opening a hand. Group responds each time: “Search me O God, and know my heart.”

Sharing Around the Table

Matthew 2:13–23 NRSVue

[Read the passage.]

Reflection: Joseph and Mary’s faith adventure continues. Three angelic dreams guide Joseph to protect Jesus—first to Egypt, then back toward Israel, and finally to Nazareth. Joseph listens and obeys; God is the true hero whose purpose is fulfilled when people respond. Amid competing voices, disciples seek and discern God’s guiding voice together.

Questions

1. What adventures might lie ahead in your faith journey, and how will you listen?
2. How do you discern God’s voice versus others?
3. What are the benefits of listening in community?

Note: If using “Thoughts for Children,” allow time for children to share drawings here.

Sending

Generosity Statement

Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint.

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:9

Offering basket is available. Prayer:

God of love and light, in this season of hope, love, and joy, make the peace of Jesus real. Use our hearts, minds, hands, and resources to bring your light to darkness and your love to suffering. May these offerings serve your purposes. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

CCS 432, “What Child Is This”

Closing Prayer

Additional Options Depending on Group

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Jesus Christ, Emmanuel—God with us—was born on Christmas, revealed God’s love, and showed us how to serve. In Communion we remember and are formed as a community of blessing, healing, peace, and love.

Matthew 26:26–29 NRSVue

Invitation to Communion

All are welcome at Christ’s table. Communion renews our baptismal covenant and forms us as disciples for Christ’s mission. Receive in love and peace. In preparation, sing CCS 527, “Bread of the World.”

Blessing and serving of bread and wine.

Thoughts for Children

Materials: paper, crayons

Discuss angels and other ways God “speaks” (prayer, study, nature, Holy Spirit). Share Joseph’s dreams and how he protected Jesus. Invite children to draw how God speaks to them, and share during Sending.

Exploring the Scripture

Matthew 2:13–23 sits within the Epiphany arc, highlighting revelation and guidance. Three dreams steer Joseph: to Egypt for refuge, back toward Israel after Herod’s death, and then to Nazareth due to Archelaus. Matthew layers fulfillment motifs (Hosea; Jeremiah; “He will be called a Nazarene”) to proclaim Jesus as Messiah and God as the true actor whose purposes prevail when people respond. Amid competing voices, disciples learn to discern the divine voice and follow.

Central Ideas

1. Joseph was called and guided to protect Jesus—and was not alone; God led him.
2. Joseph listened and obeyed the voice of God.
3. We are called to seek and discern God’s voice today.

Questions for the Speaker

1. What does listening to God’s voice mean in your life?
2. When have you listened and responded? What happened?
3. What good news does your congregation need most from this passage?

Focus Scripture Passage

Matthew 2:13–23

Lesson Focus

Disciples seek God’s voice and respond in servant ministry.

Objectives

The learners will…

• consider Epiphany’s significance,
• discuss the passage’s invitation for disciples today,
• explore ways to promote and protect children’s well‑being.

Supplies

• Bible
• Pens or pencils
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)

Notes to Teacher

Read “Exploring the Scripture” for Matthew 2:13–23 (Year A: New Testament), pp. 26–27.

Gather

15% of time

Introduce Epiphany (manifestation of Christ). Read Matthew 2:1–12. Reflect:

• What does it mean for you to seek Jesus today?
• How can you invite others to Christ in new ways?

Read or sing “Not in Grand Estate” CCS 444.

Engage

35% of time

Read Matthew 2:13–23. Note Matthew’s fulfillment motifs (Israel/Moses, prophecy). In triads, take vv. 13–15, 16–18, 19–23:

• What links to Moses/Israel do you see?
• What prophecy is quoted and how fulfilled?

Dreams guide five times in Matthew 1–2. What is today’s invitation about discerning God’s will?

Respond

35% of time

Discuss moral questions (e.g., slaughter of innocents). Matthew’s aim: God’s purposes in Christ despite evil. Identify modern “slaughter of the innocents” (guns, landmines, abuse, poverty‑disease, child slavery/soldiering). What is the church’s response? What awareness/education is needed locally?

Send

10% of time

Consider Rachel’s lament as God’s maternal grief. Disciples protect and promote children’s well‑being. Practice prompt this week: What light of hope will you bring to children in your community?

Bless

5% of time

Prayer: “Show us the way, Christ Jesus, to offer the light of hope for all your precious children. Come, shine through us today. Amen.”

Focus Scripture Passage

Matthew 2:13–23

Lesson Focus

The faithful listen and respond to God’s call.

Objectives

The learners will…

• explore the passage,
• remember a king born for everyone,
• share stories of the faithful.

Supplies

• Bible
• Card stock (3 per person)
• String/yarn and hole punch or tape
• Crayons/colored pencils

Notes to Teacher

Read “Exploring the Scripture” for Matthew 2:13–23 (Year B: New Testament), p. 26.

Gather

15% of time

Read Matthew 2:13–18. Sketch Scene 1 (Joseph’s dream; flee; prophecy). Read 2:19–21. Sketch Scene 2 (return). Read 2:22–23. Sketch Scene 3 (Nazareth; fulfillment). Create triptychs by joining panels; display them.

Engage

35% of time

Faithful Journey

Herod’s violence contrasts Joseph’s faithful listening. Discuss:

• What unexpected experiences have marked your faithful journey?
• What is hard/easy about being faithful?
• How do you listen for God’s direction?

Respond

35% of time

Listen to God’s Voice

Pairs attempt to converse while others make noise; then debrief. Connect to discerning God amid distractions.

• What does listening for God’s voice mean?
• When have you listened and responded? What happened?

Send

10% of time

Challenge Question

In pairs share: At the year’s start, what actions will you take to be a faithful participant in the sacred story?

Going Deeper: Wise Men Out of Place

Use a nativity with Magi. Note timing (they arrive later; only in Matthew). Discuss inclusion of “outsiders.”

• How would you describe the wise men?
• Who are the “wise men” today?
• Who do they represent in your community?

Bless

5% of time

Read D&C 162:2a; offer a blessing.

Focus Scripture Passage

Matthew 2:13–23

Lesson Focus

We are called to listen for what God asks us to do.

Objectives

The learners will…

• discover how Joseph listened to God by responding to a dream,
• practice listening,
• name ways to help build God’s kingdom this year.

Supplies

• Bible or Lectionary Story Bible, Year A (Milton/Kyle)
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)
• Instruments/noisemakers or recorded music
• Paper and crayons/markers

Notes to Teacher

Read “Exploring the Scripture” for Matthew 2:13–23 (Year A), pp. 26–27.

Gather

15% of time

Sing “Listen in the Silence” CCS 153 (three times). In pairs, share three facts; partner repeats them. Repeat with background noise; debrief listening challenges.

Engage

35% of time

Retell Magi story and Herod’s fear. Read Matthew 2:13–23 (or story Bible). Q&A: Who warned Joseph? How? Why Egypt? Who spoke after Herod died? Where did they go?

Explain refugees; invite empathy (what would you miss, take, feel?).

Respond

35% of time

Talk about dreams; God’s dream for shalom (peace/wholeness). Brainstorm “shalom” (no war/bullying, safety, care, enough for everyone). Children draw their dream and how they will help make it real.

Send

10% of time

Share drawings in a circle; each names one action for the week. Sing “Jesus Is Calling” CCS 578 or “Peace, Salaam, Shalom” CCS 310 with motions.

Bless

5% of time

Pray the Mission Prayer together (with motions). For small children, use simplified wording:

God, what should I pay attention to today?

Give me courage to care like you.

Help me think and say loving things about others. Amen.