If Only in My Dreams
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
Introduction
When our dreams are not going as we planned, we should trust in the one who ordained all are days.
Left Right Game Ice Breaker
There are so many variations of this game, pick one that works for your group and budget.
https://womensministrytoolbox.com/left-right-nativity-game/
Provide each woman with a Christmas Survival kit, for when things do not go as planned. There are many variations of Christmas Survival kits out there but here is an example. https://tidylady.net/products/holiday-survival-kit-printable-tag-blue-27566?srsltid=AfmBOorHWt4_YsqfwpXvuw-pRrNzmAWMjPP5l3TMGcRtGgfkVhg5iwBN
Snowflake Coloring Pages
The women can enjoy this activity as they arrive, or during the program.
Print snowflake coloring sheets for each woman and provide colored pencils or markers. https://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/snowflake-coloring-page.html#decorative
“Nailed It” Challenge
Offer prizes for the best and the worst (Maybe a Christmas survival kit)
https://gluesticksblog.com/honey-maid-graham-cracker-nativity-scene/
Beaded Snowflake Craft
It is easy to make but may be hard for those who have dexterity and sight difficulties. You can accommodate easily by finding ladies to help each other. https://www.orientaltrading.com/4-1-2-beaded-snowflake-christmas-ornament-craft-kit-makes-24-a2-
Song Suggestions
Goodness of God:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AwLTeMyq20&pp=ygUKI29mZmNpY2lhbA%3D%3D
Way Maker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29IxnsqOkmQ
If Only in My Dreams
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
Joseph found himself in a very unplanned situation. His first concern is for Mary. We see this because he decided to divorce her privately. Historically speaking, Mary and Joseph were not married. During this time, an engagement was a contract much like marriage. He did not want her to go through public shame, so he wanted to do things quietly. After the angel came, he took Mary as his wife.
Joesph did a few things I think are important. When things did not go the way, he planned. He chose to handle it with respect. I imagine he would have felt many emotions over finding out Mary was pregnant. He put that aside and chose to show grace and compassion.
The second thing he did, was be open to God’s leading and direction. As soon as he had this “Awakening”—a visit from an angel in a dream—he did not hesitate to take Mary as his wife and do exactly as he was instructed. Joesph would go on to be a man who listened to the Lord and was sensitive to his direction. He had more dreams after this one that kept Jesus and Mary safe.
- When things went wrong, he showed grace and compassion.
- He was sensitive to Gods direction.
- He listened to what God had instructed.
His path changed, his plans changed and so did Mary’s. They suddenly had a massive responsibility but how amazing to be chosen by God to care for Jesus, God with us.
In life our plans can change. I joke with my husband, Tim, often that no day ever goes as I have planned. In life it can feel this way too. But you see these plans that change the direction of our lives shape us. They show our character. They help us listen to God. They allow us to show grace.
No two snowflakes are the same because each has a different path from the heavens to the earth. Temperature differences change their shape, even the wind and the pressure of the atmosphere. But each of them are beautiful.
When things do not go as planned, you have the choice to allow that to change and shape you into a beautiful person, or to make you hard, or to melt you. Nobody’s path is easy. Life throws hard stuff at us. We have the choice to show grace and compassion, and to listen to God’s voice and direction. Sometimes our plans and dreams are not God’s plan for our life. That might not always be clear in the moment. But we can trust that God has a perfect plan for you, despite the hardships.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Joseph followed God’s plan for His life and what an amazing plan he had for him and Mary. They changed history. They gave hope for all of humanity. Their names are remembered forever.
Take time to consider the snowflakes, each unique, each special. Just like us, we all are changed by the path we have walked but our destiny is the same, we were made for Heaven,
Psalms 139:13-18 says,”For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.”
God does not want you to feel hopeless. You are like the snowflake; you can be pure, and you are part of His plan. When your path is unclear, or your dreams are not working out, seek Him and His will for your life. Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Do not doubt God’s love and care for you. We are going to make a snowflake and may this be a reminder to you. You are loved. Though your path might be hard, God sees you in that pain, but He has a plan for you, yield your will to His plan and watch what amazing places He will take you.
Close in Prayer
