Christmas Incarnation -- A 4-week Advent Bible study series on the Birth of Christ

Christmas Incarnation
A 4-week Advent Bible study series

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

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 one-by-one 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.

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.

Christmas Incarnation, a 4-week Bible study by Ralph F. Wilson

Available in e-book, printed book, 5-pack booklet, and DVD formats

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.

You can participate in this study in several ways:

Sign up for the interactive online Bible study below at absolutely no charge.
Purchase the e-book or printed, spiral-bound version.
Purchase a set of 5 or 10 booklets for use in a class or small group.
Obtain the DVD with Dr. Wilson teaching the four lessons in 20- to 25-minute sessions, with pauses for group discussion.

Why don't you sign up right now for the online Bible study, so you can receive the first lesson via e-mail on Friday, November 30. Reprint information.

This is our 26th online Bible study since 1996. If you've participated in one before, you know how God can use them in your life. If not, then you have a treat in store for you. I am an ordained American Baptist pastor, currently ministering in a Covenant congregation. I'm here to serve you as your guide to the book of Psalms. --. Dr. Ralph F. Wilson. About the leader.

Here's how we'll study together.

Each Saturday I'll e-mail you the lesson for the week. Then you'll read the Bible passage and use my notes to help you understand it better.

On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday you'll receive a question from that week's lesson to think about and answer. This is designed as a "total immersion" approach to Bible study, since I believe God wants to use it to work real and permanent change in your life. (You can opt out of the daily questions if you like, however, and just receive the weekly lessons.) You'll be thinking about these passages constantly over these weeks -- long enough for God to work his Word into your life and lifestyle.

You can respond to the questions and exercises using the Joyful Heart Bible Study Forum -- and read others' answers to reinforce your own understanding.
With each lesson you'll receive a link to a 20- to 30-minute audio teaching that sums up the passage you've been studying that week. Some who learn better from hearing than from reading really appreciate this.
Then on Saturday, I'll send you the next week's lesson.

As of December 16, 2007, we've had more than 2,447 sign-ups from over 94 countries, including Andorra, United Arab Emirates, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Angola, American Samoa, Austria, Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Bahamas, Botswana, Canada, Switzerland, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Cyprus, Germany, Denmark, Algeria, Egypt, Spain, Ethiopia, Finland, Fiji, Guernsey, Ghana, Guam, Guyana, HongKong, Croatia/Hrvatska, Haiti, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, India, Iraq, Iran, Italy, Jersey, Jamaica, Jordan, Japan, Kenya, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Korea (Democratic People's Republic of), Korea (Republic of), Kuwait, Saint Lucia, Sri Lanka, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Morocco, Madagascar, Macau, Mauritania, Malta, Maldives, Mexico, Malaysia, Namibia, Nigeria, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Oman, Panama, Peru, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Paraguay, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Singapore, Sierra Leone, Thailand, Turkey, Trinidad and Tobago, Tanzania, Ukraine, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe. 14% specify text format, 86% HTML format. 29% selected the weekly format, 71% the daily format.

Why don't you sign up today -- and then encourage some of your friends to sign up and study along with you.

You'll receive your first lesson the Friday after you sign up. There is no cost to participate in the study, though donations are encouraged so we can create more studies and reach more people. We respect your privacy and never sell, rent, or loan our lists. Please don't subscribe your friends; let them decide for themselves.
Please don't sign up for more than one of my Bible studies at one time. Each of them is pretty intensive. Also, please don't sign up for your friends; let them decide for themselves.

Yes, please sign me up for the no-cost 4-week "Christmas Incarnation" online Bible study. I understand that this also subscribes me to Dr. Wilson's occasional Joyful Heart Newsletter. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I agree to abide by the Bible Study Forum Guidelines.

First	Last
E-mail
Country
Preferred Format	Plain text HTML
Frequency	Weekly lessons, daily questions Weekly lessons only

Note: Most subscribers will want to receive the lesson plus all the week's questions each Saturday, with daily questions throughout the week to keep them thinking about the week's lesson. But you can select the "weekly lesson only" option above and skip the daily e-mailed questions if you like. If you'd like to switch from one option to the other, just sign up here for the one you like, and you'll be automatically dropped from the other option -- and started on week #1, lesson #1 of your new choice.

Christmas Incarnation

Christmas Incarnation A 4-week Advent Bible study series

Christmas Incarnation
A 4-week Advent Bible study series