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Gerard (Gerrit) van Honthorst (1590–1656), Adoration of the Children (1620), Uffizi Gallery, Florence. Italy. Larger image.

Here is a series of four lessons that can be used as an Advent Study for small groups, adult education classes, or personal study. They are designed to help you focus on the real meaning of Christmas -- the incarnation of God himself in Jesus Christ -- and what we can learn about discipleship from the principal characters in this drama. For Christmas 2007, this series will be available as an interactive online study and also as an interactive DVD that can be used to stimulate small group discussion and learning. If your group can't fit in all four lessons, consider using the first three.

1. Mary, The Virgin Mother (Luke 1:26-45)

2. Joseph, the Stand-In Father (Matthew 1:18-25)

3. The Shepherds' Sign of the Manger (Luke 2:1-20)

4. Wise Men and the Christmas Star of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-12)
   References and Abbreviations

Links to many paintings of Christmas subjects and paintings of angels can be found on the JoyfulHeart.com site. Other articles on incarnation include: "A Healthy Cry from the Manger: The Meaning of the Incarnation,"  "They Call Him Immanuel (Emmanuel)," and "A Flesh-and-Blood Christmas Miracle."

Copyright © 1985-2012, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastorjoyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.