The Whiteboard Gospel: Advent IV (Year A) — Faithful Joseph & God With Us

This Week on the Whiteboard Gospel Podcast we look at Matthew 1:18–25 | Emmanuel: God With Us

And, as we reach the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Church pauses on the threshold of Christmas—not with shepherds and starlight, but with Joseph.
In this episode of Whiteboard Gospel, we explore Matthew’s quiet, powerful telling of Jesus’ birth—seen through the eyes of a righteous man caught between law and mercy, fear and faith, uncertainty and obedience.

Together we:
-Read Matthew 1:18–25 from both the New Revised Standard Version and The Message
-Explore the worlds behind, of, and in front of the text
-Reflect on Joseph’s courage, the meaning of Emmanuel, and God’s presence in fragile moments
-Hear wisdom from saints of the past and present
-Connect the Gospel with Isaiah 7, Psalm 80, and Romans 1
-Consider what this story means for us as we prepare our hearts for Christmas

This episode invites us to see that faith does not require certainty—only trust. God comes quietly. God stays. Emmanuel—God with us.

📖 Scripture Readings
Matthew 1:18–25
Isaiah 7:10–16
Psalm 80:1–7, 16–18
Romans 1:1–7

✏️ About Whiteboard Gospel
Whiteboard Gospel is a visual, Scripture-centered podcast that explores the Bible through teaching, prayer, drawing, and wonder—inviting deeper faith, thoughtful reflection, and meaningful conversation.

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Download the Bible Study handout for this week’s lesson here:
https://files.constantcontact.com/e94...

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction and Opening Prayer
2:09 First Reading of Matthew 1:18-25 (NRSV) — Question: What stood out to you?
4:20 Second Reading of Matthew 1:18-25 (The Message) — Question: What is God saying to you in this passage?
6:03 Worlds of the Text: Behind (Where the text originated)
15:35 Worlds of the Text: Of (Context in Matthew, Greek Insights, and Literary Devices)
17:27 Worlds of the Text: In Front of (What we're bringing to the text) — AND Jesus' name was Joshua?
21:55 Christian Wisdom: Ancient Voices
25:25 Christian Wisdom: Contemporary Voices
27:11 Connections to other readings on Advent IV
30:20 What is the Take-Home Message?
34:26 Commercial for Christmas Episode & Closing Prayer

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