1. Share an attribute from one of your parents or the person who raised you that influences how you are in the world today.

2. ReadMatthew 18:1-25, New Revised Standard Version, updated)
a. What is one thought or idea from this scripture especially intrigued, provoked, disturbed, challenged, encouraged, warmed, warned, helped, or surprised you?
b. How do you imagine how the conversation took place between Joseph and the angel?
c. How do you imagine Joseph felt when he received the news from the angel?
d. What do you think would be the first thing that came into Joseph’s mind?
e. How do you think the visit with the angel affect Joseph’s and Mary’s future marriage relationship?
f. How do you think it might have affected the way Joseph parented Jesus?
g. How is Joseph an example for all of us?

3. How does Joseph shed light on the meaning of the Christmas story?

4. How might God’s loving spirit be working on entering your life this advent?

5. Where might you allow God’s spirit to wander into your life to bring wholeness and healing?

6. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed that we could follow all of Jesus’ teachings if we remembered these three simple rules which are his rules for compassionately acting in the world:
a. Do No Harm
b. Do all the good you can
c. Stay in love with God
d. How have you practiced living by these rules in the last week?