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1, 2, and 3 John
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1 & 2 Timothy
1 Peter
2 Peter, Jude
1 Corinthians
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7 Last Words of Christ
Abraham
Acts 1-12:
The Early Church
Apostle Paul
Christmas Incarnation
Church
Christ Powered Life (Rom 5-8)
Colossians
Conquering Lamb of Revelation
Daniel
David, Life of
Galatians
Gideon
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Early Church: Acts1-12
Elijah
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Hebrews
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Jacob
Jesus and the Kingdom
John's Gospel
John's Letters
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Lamb of God
Listening for God's Voice
Lord's Supper
Luke
Mark
Moses
Names of God
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Christmas Incarnation
A Study of Jesus' Birth and of Mary, Joseph, Angels, and the Wise
Men
a 4-week Advent Bible study
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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.
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 |
You can print out the Participant Handouts free for your class or small group members.
Christian
Incarnation: A Study of Jesus Birth on YouTube, with Dr. Wilson teaching
the four lessons in 20- to 25-minute sessions, with pauses for group discussion.
1. Mary;
2. Joseph;
3. Shepherds;
4. Wise Men. The DVD is out of print,
but these videos are free for you to use for your class, group, or church via
YouTube.
To purchase below, check to the left of the product you select and then click on "Order Now" button at the bottom.
Copyright © 2022, 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.
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In-depth Bible study books
You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format.
- 28 Advent Scriptures
- 1, 2, and 3 John
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter & Jude
- 1 & 2 Thessalonians
- 1 & 2 Timothy
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Apostle Paul
- Abraham, Faith of
- Christ Powered Life (Romans 5-8)
- Christmas Incarnation
- Colossians and Philemon
- Conquering Lamb of Revelation
- Daniel
- David, Life of
- Early Church: Acts 1-12
- Elijah
- Ephesians
- Galatians
- Gideon
- Glorious Kingdom, The
- Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
- Great Prayers of the Bible
- Hebrews
- Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
- Isaiah
- Jacob, Life of
- James
- Jesus and the Kingdom of God
- JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
- John's Gospel
- Joshua
- Lamb of God
- Listening for God's Voice
- Lord's Supper
- Luke's Gospel
- Moses the Reluctant Leader
- Names and Titles of God
- Names and Titles of Jesus
- Philippians
- Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books
- Resurrection and Easter Faith
- Sermon on the Mount
- Psalms
- Seven Last Words of Christ
- Songs of Ascent (Ps 120-134)
- Revelation
My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.
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