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
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Christmas Incarnation