The coming of God into this world to be a man must figure among the greatest
events in all human history. Yet in our over-Christmased culture we have
trivialized the true Nativity Story in favor of images of Santa and gushings
about the warmth of the true Christmas spirit.
This four-week series is designed to help Christians reconnect with the real
meaning of Christmas by considering the main characters of the Christmas story:
Mary
Joseph
The Shepherds
The Wise Men
Each was a disciple of Jesus -- St. Mary, the first disciple, followed by
each of the others who recognized this newborn as the Messiah and reordered
their lives around Him as a result.
Click on the image above to learn about the interactive DVD for
classes and small groups.
This is an old story -- one you've heard in countless sermons. But
reexamining it in thoughtful detail from Scripture will help you re-experience
its power and truth. It is ideal for:
Individuals seeking to regain a deeper understanding of Christmas
Small groups that meet during the Advent Season to draw closer to Christ
Pastors and teachers who need carefully researched material to use as the
basis for sermons and classes
Christmas, of course, is not at its core about spiced cider, gaily-wrapped
presents, and shining ornaments. It is about the incarnation, the in-fleshment
of the Son of God as a human being. This story did not take place in a decorated
villa of Nazareth or a sterilized stable in Bethlehem. The story unfolded among
real people whom God called for a purpose beyond themselves -- and who
responded, "Yes," when called. It is a story of discipleship and risk. Of faith
and hope. Of intimate, caring love and bold never-to-turn-back decisions. The
true story of Christmas has the power to re-ignite living faith in you and
deepen the quality of your discipleship.
Detailed Table of Contents
Preface
2
Table of Contents
4
References and Abbreviations
6
Reprint Guidelines
8
1. Mary, the Virgin Mother (Luke
1:26-45)
10
The Facts of Mary's Life (1:26-27)
11
Mary's Alarm (1:28-30)
12
The Angel's Unparalleled Announcement (1:31-33)
12
The Wonder in Mary's Mind (1:34)
14
Conceived by the Holy Spirit (1:35)
15
The Meaning of the Incarnation
16
Nothing is Impossible with God (1:36-37)
16
Mary's Amazing Submission (1:38)
17
Blessed Mother of God (1:42-45)
18
2. Joseph, the Stand-In Father
(Matthew 1:18-25)
22
Joseph's Name
23
Joseph the Husband
23
Joseph the Carpenter
24
Mary's Predicament, Joseph's Dilemma
25
Joseph, the Righteous Man (1:19)
26
The Angel's Revelation in a Dream (1:20-21)
27
The Name "Jesus" (1:21)
27
Joseph Shall Adopt the Child (1:21)
28
The Virgin Will Conceive (1:22-23)
28
Emmanuel, God with Us (1:23)
30
Joseph's Obedience (1:24-25)
30
Joseph's Protection of Jesus
30
3. The Shepherds' Sign of the
Manger (Luke 2:1-20)
34
1. Jesus Is Born in History (2:1-2)
35
2. Jesus Is Born in David's Birthplace (2:3-4)
36
3. Jesus' Birth is Attended by Hardship (2:5-6)
36
4. Jesus Is Born in Humble Circumstances (2:7)
37
Shepherds Keeping Watch over Their Flocks (2:8)
37
The Glory of the Lord (2:9)
38
The Good News Angel (2:10-11)
39
A Savior (2:11)
40
Christ the Lord (2:11)
40
At the Sign of a Manger (2:12)
41
Glory to God in the Highest (2:13-14)
41
The Shepherd's Response (2:15-18)
42
Mary Ponders the Shepherd's Report (2:19)
42
Joyful Shepherds (2:20)
43
Lessons for Disciples
43
4. Wise Men and the Christmas
Star of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-12)
47
Who Are the Magi? (1:1)
48
What Kind of "Star" Did They See? (1:2)
49
Why Was Herod Disturbed? (2:3)
50
Where Was the Messiah to Be Born? (2:4-6)
51
Herod's Plot (2:7-8)
51
Led by the Star (2:9-10)
52
Worshipping the King (2:11a)
52
Offering Gifts to the King (2:11b)
53
Disobeying Herod (2:12)
55
What Does All this Mean?
55
Appendix: Class Handouts
59
1. Mary, the Virgin Mother (Luke 1:26-45)
60
2. Joseph, the Stand-In Father (Matthew
1:18-25)
61
3. The Shepherds' Sign of the Manger (Luke
2:1-20)
62
4. Wise Men and the Christmas Star of Bethlehem
(Matthew 2:1-12)
63
"Excellent way to 'slow down' during Advent season
and to prepare your heart to welcome the King." - Charlotte Flowers
"The strength of the scholarly research evident in the footnotes,
while the study remains clear and accessible to the reader, with
fresh and thoughtful insights and a devotional focus." - Christie Bruce
"Biblical exegesis was outstanding giving depth to the study." -
Jeff Hawley
"Explores the events in a way that gives new insights into how
and why things happened." - Richard Breadner
"Have recommended it to other small groups at our church." -
Donna Knapp
"Thought provoking questions made for a very in-depth study." -
Fred Rogers
"Used part of the lesson for my Junior High Sunday school class."
- George Babaz
"Easy to understand, yet an in-depth study, breaking down the verses of
the scripture made discussion easier." - Jackie Schillaci
"Puts real people and their feelings and reactions into the
Christmas story." - Jen Rosamond
"Great for a small group Bible Study just before Christmas." -
James Mandracchia
"This study changes the nativity scene on my table to the
relevant and personal arrival of our Savior." - Linda Bowes
"Explanations of Jewish customs of that time and details of the
historical setting of the Christmas story brought out things I've never
fully understood before." - Jeanne Clark
"These lessons do much to relieve us of the sorry 'Christmas Card
mentality.'" - Elvira Reeves
"Insightful, wonderfully-paced study of God's word." - Adriane
Burbridge
"Helped me think of Mary and Joseph as real people." - Roberta
Gabor
"Exceptionally well-researched and written." - Robert Crane
"My attention was constantly drawn to the divine dimension of the
baby Jesus." - Richard Wabula
"The in-depth-ness of the truth of the word regarding Mary, the loving
mother of Jesus, I found especially profound, something rarely spoken
of in Protestant circles." - Rose Kallmyer
"I love that Dr. Wilson has overcome the 'denominational' viewpoint."
- Tomi Inglis
"The study wasn't a 'reconnect' with the real meaning of Christmas, but
a first-time view of the participants at the birth of Christ."
David Gilbert
"Used in a group setting, easy to develop ideas arising from the
materials. The questions opened new ground." - Heimo Bachmeyer
"During the week when my family was all together, I read it aloud to
them. By the third lesson, my college-age sons were saying to me,
'When are we going to do the Christmas devotional?'" - Susan Maxon
"Thoughtfully remembers a well-known story in a fresh and personal
way." - Tascha Raymond
"Helped me really think deeply about the sermons for each Sunday
as I prepared for each Sunday of Advent." Pastor Danny Maupin
"A great tool with which to gather together an entire Bible Study Group,
or even a church, to learn and study together." - Theresa
VanderJagt
"Next year we would like to run the study again and invite our
not-yet-Christian friends to come along and think about the real,
un-romanticized version of the Christmas Incarnation." - Rebecca
Robinson
You can print out the
Participant Handouts free for your class or small group members. And you
can purchase several products to help your study. Check to the left of the
product you select and then click on "Order Now" button at the bottom.
Galatians Bible Study
joyfulheart.com
Lamb of God
