Love In the Middle (Matthew 1:18-25) // Sunday, December 21, 2025

Love In the Middle (Matthew 1:18-25) // Sunday, December 21, 2025

Throughout the Season of Advent, we prepare to celebrate the birth and arrival of Christ in the world! In this season, we are called to create room for the Christ child in our lives. There is “plenty good room” for Christ’s hope, peace, joy and love this season.

Scripture Focus: Matthew 1:18-25

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[d] (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.


Guest Preacher: Rev. Cedric Nelms

Cedric Nelms is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of faith, community, and systems change. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Cedric has dedicated his life to building bridges between faith, justice, and thriving neighborhoods. Cedric matriculated at Morehouse College, he went on to earn a Master of Arts in Justice and Advocacy and is completing a Doctor of Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary. Cedric previously served as Senior Community Organizer with a nonprofit that was focused on educational equity, has developed numerous civic engagement projects, and is the Senior Pastor of Greater New Salem MBC Church. His vision is rooted in Black liberation—building thriving communities across California where Black families flourish in education, economics, and wellness. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and friends. He gives thanks to his wife, family, and faith community, who keep him grounded and inspired.


#LetUsWorship :: Read the scripture and download the bulletin to prepare for Weekend Worship and Weekly Bible studies!

After-Worship Zoom Fellowship instructions @ https://inglewoodfirst.org