10 Minute presentation of the Fall Feasts of the Lord and their prophetic significance. Learn the Hebrew roots of our faith and that our Father loves celebrations and wants us to meet with each other and with Him at His appointed times.
Fullfilled Prophecies on Jesus, Free Bible Chart from Word Of God Teamyesudas.rs
The document lists over 50 prophecies from the Old Testament about Jesus, along with their fulfillment recorded in the New Testament. It covers prophecies about Jesus' lineage and birth, his ministry and teachings, his betrayal, trial and crucifixion, as well as his death and resurrection. The precise fulfillment of these prophecies recorded centuries before their occurrence establishes Jesus as the promised Messiah.
Why do you think Rahab is listed among the “heroes” of faith in Hebrews 11? Do you feel that some sins in your past or present are so terrible that they can’t be forgiven or that you are unworthy to serve God? How does Rahab’s story encourage you? What was the emotional state of the people in Jericho? (Josh. 2:9, 11; 6:1) How did this confirm God’s promises in Deut. l:21, 29–31? Read carefully Josh. 2:9–13. What did Rahab know about Israel's history? How long before had the Red Sea been crossed? (Ex. l4). How long before had Sihon and Og been conquered? (Deut. 2:26-3:ll) What did Rahab specifically say she believed about the God of Israel? What is impressive about her faith? Could anyone else in Jericho have come to the same conclusions?
The document summarizes the compilation and translation of the Christian Bible over time. It begins with the Ten Commandments being delivered to Moses in 1400 BC. The Old Testament books were completed by 500 BC and the New Testament books by AD 100. The canon of the New Testament was established in AD 315. The Bible was translated into many languages over the centuries, with the first English translation being produced by John Wycliffe in 1382. The King James Version was first published in 1611, and many modern translations have been produced since the 1970s.
1. Jesus sees a man blind from birth and heals him by making mud, putting it on his eyes, and telling him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The man comes back seeing.
2. Neighbors question if it is the same man, while others doubt. The Pharisees question the man about how his eyes were opened and on what day, as it was the Sabbath.
3. The Pharisees are divided on whether Jesus is from God. Jesus later finds the man and asks if he believes in the Son of Man, revealing himself as the one speaking to him.
Luke's Gospel provides a historical narrative that presents Jesus Christ as the perfect divine man and son of man. It was written around 60-70 AD by Luke, a companion of Paul who was a physician from Greece. The Gospel was addressed to Greeks and emphasizes Jesus' words over his deeds. It portrays God's love and Jesus as the savior of all people. The Gospel details Jesus' life from his birth and advent to his ministry in Galilee and Perea and final crucifixion and resurrection.
The Book of Isaiah was written between the 8th-6th centuries BC and attributed to three authors: Isaiah son of Amoz who prophesied in the 8th century; an exile disciple called Second Isaiah; and a post-exilic writer called Third Isaiah. Isaiah forms the idea that Jerusalem has a future with God as a city of justice and peace. The book contains prophecies, indictments of Israel/Judah for failing to create a just society, and hope for those disillusioned by the lack of progress. It conveys that a society of peace is possible when people cooperate with God's plans for justice.
This document discusses four key facts about Jesus that can be used to tell others about Him. 1) Jesus was fully human. He was born in history and had human experiences. 2) Jesus was more than a great teacher as He did miraculous things that only God can do and said things that only God can say. 3) Jesus overcame death by dying on the cross and rising from the tomb three days later, as witnessed by many. 4) Sharing one's own personal experience of how knowing Jesus has changed their life can help others understand who He is.
The document provides an overview of the Gospel of Luke, including its author, date of writing, purpose, themes, and key events and teachings. The Gospel of Luke was written by Luke, a physician and companion of Paul, around AD 60. Luke wrote to provide an orderly account of Jesus' life and ministry based on eyewitness testimony, with a focus on Jesus as the savior of all people and the themes of salvation, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit's role. Key events included Jesus' birth, teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Daniels Prophecies The 70 Weeks (Final 1)Simon Fuller
The document summarizes Daniel's prophecy of the 70 weeks from chapter 9 of the book of Daniel. It discusses key elements of the prophecy including the 6 matters to be fulfilled by the Messiah, interpretations of the 70 week time period split into 7, 62, and 1 week intervals, and how the prophecy was fulfilled through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It examines phrases in the prophecy and their relationship to Christ and his mission.
The angel Gabriel told Mary that she would give birth to Jesus. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem for the census and Jesus was born in a stable, as there was no room in the inn. Shepherds in a nearby field heard from an angel about Jesus' birth and went to see the newborn savior. Wise men from the East followed a star and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus. After being warned in a dream, Joseph fled with Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape King Herod.
Name your Jericho - anxiety, fear, negative thinking, lust, anger, impatience or something else. What walls need to come down, what strongholds of sin need to be destroyed? (2 Cor. 10:4-6) List lessons we can learn from Israel at Jericho that help us understand the abundant life of a Christian?
Basic information of Bible. Summary of Old Testament and New Testament. Overview of Books and their authors. Overview of Authors of the Bible. Bible basic overview
Numbers 21-22, Fiery serpents, salvation is simple, intercessors, God tests o...Valley Bible Fellowship
Numbers chapter 21-22, Fiery serpents, salvation is simple, intercessors, God tests our faith, Balaam, divination, materialism, the angel of the LORD, a thousand eleph, high places bamah, duplicity of heart, Hormah
This document discusses the important role of Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, as described in the Book of Judges. It summarizes how Deborah led the army of Israel against their Canaanite oppressors led by Sisera, defeating them with God's help. It also describes how Sisera was later killed by Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, who drove a tent peg into his head while he slept, completing the victory over the Canaanites.
This document discusses biblical numbers and events from 2014-2018 related to the end times. It aims to confront whether calculating dates of end time events is biblical and determine if evidence shows the imminent coming of the Tribulation period. The document outlines what will happen during the Tribulation based on descriptions in Revelation, including the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls. It also summarizes Jesus' description of the Tribulation in Matthew 24 and references Daniel 9 for clues about its timing.
Jesus spoke seven phrases from the cross that conveyed important messages:
1) "Father, forgive them" - expressing forgiveness for those crucifying him.
2) "Today you will be with me in paradise" - offering hope of salvation to one of the criminals crucified with him.
3) Looking to his mother, Mary, and the disciple John, saying "Dear woman, here is your son" - showing care and provision for his family.
4) Crying out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" - expressing the depths of loneliness and suffering he felt.
5) "I am thirsty" - continuing to experience human suffering and needs
This document is a Christmas quiz that tests knowledge about details of Jesus's birth from the Bible. It contains 20 multiple choice or true/false questions about facts like Jesus's mother Mary, where he was born, who the wise men were, and more. The questions are followed by the answers and brief explanations or Bible verses supporting each answer. The quiz aims to help learn important facts about the nativity story and encourage reading the accounts in Matthew and Luke.
This document is a Christmas quiz that tests knowledge about details of Jesus's birth from the Bible. It contains 20 multiple choice or true/false questions about facts like Jesus's mother Mary, where he was born, who the wise men were, and more. The questions are followed by the answers and brief explanations or Bible verses supporting each answer. The quiz aims to help learn important facts about the nativity story and encourage reading the accounts in Matthew and Luke.
1) Mary gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.
2) Angels appeared to shepherds in the fields and told them that the Savior, Messiah, and Lord had been born in Bethlehem. They were given a sign to find the baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger.
3) The shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in the manger just as the angels had said. They spread the word of what they had witnessed.
This article summarizes five personal Christmas stories contained in the issue. The stories showcase the diverse Christmas experiences of: 1) Ike Suriwong, who shared the meaning of Christmas with children in Phuket, Thailand, before the devastating 2004 tsunami; 2) Mario Sant'Ana, who found a way to exponentially spread Christmas spirit by inspiring recipients to become givers; 3) Erika Blecic, who discovered music with healing power; 4) Nyx Martinez, who remembers a childhood Christmas with no money but everything that mattered; and 5) Rohit Kumar, who recounts what he thinks the Christmas angels were up to on the 2000th anniversary of their Bethlehem assignment. Each story emphasizes giving over
Sermon Slide Deck: "God With Us & For Us" (Matthew 1:18-2:15)New City Church
The document is a sermon for Advent 2016 that discusses the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ. It explores the idea that God became human in the person of Jesus through passages from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. It discusses how this is the most profound miracle and defines the Christian faith. It reflects on what this means for our lives and calls us to consider how God becoming human in Jesus might impact or define us.
This document is a Christmas quiz testing knowledge of biblical facts versus Christmas traditions and legends. It contains 21 multiple choice questions about details of Jesus's birth from the gospels, as well as the origins of figures like Santa Claus. The questions are followed by explanations sourcing answers from the Bible or providing historical context about the development of traditions. Overall, the quiz aims to distinguish biblical truth from cultural myths that have developed around Christmas over time.
Jesus came with a distinct purpose…however it is all for nothing if the delivery is not received. Faith is believing the promise before it is fulfilled.
Caesar Augustus decreed a census that required Joseph to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register. While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. Shepherds in the fields were visited by an angel announcing Jesus' birth. They found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in the manger as the angel had described. The shepherds then spread the word about what they had witnessed.
What is christmas free lesson plan keystage 2Peter Reason
This R.E. lesson plan looks at:
What is the festival of 'Christmas’?
Who was Joseph and Mary?
What was happening around the time when Jesus was born?
Let’s run through all of these events about 2000 years ago…..
This Christianity lesson plan is ready to use, straight into the classroom for the pupils to look at and work through.
Teachers require no planning for this lesson plan.
The document summarizes the biblical prophecy and events surrounding the nativity of Jesus Christ, as well as how the nativity affects mankind. It describes how prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah. It then discusses the events leading up to Jesus's birth, including the journey by Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and Jesus being born in a stable. Finally, it explains how the nativity brought hope of salvation and eternal life with God to mankind through Jesus seeking to save the lost and demonstrating God's love.
The document provides details from biblical passages describing the birth of Jesus Christ. It recounts the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus, the Son of God, as well as prophecies from Isaiah about a virgin conceiving and bearing a son. It then describes Mary's visit with Elizabeth, the decree from Caesar Augustus that led Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem where Jesus was born, the announcement of his birth to shepherds by angels, and the visit of wise men from the East who came to worship the newborn king. The document aims to establish the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah through these biblical accounts of Jesus's miraculous conception and birth.
The document summarizes a passage from the Bible describing the birth of Jesus Christ. It describes how Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem for the census and Jesus was born in a manger because there was no room. An angel appeared to shepherds watching their flocks and told them about the birth, and a heavenly host praised God. The shepherds then went to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in the manger. The passage emphasizes that Jesus was a real person born in ordinary circumstances, with shepherds rather than important people visiting, and that he was born as a savior for people rather than just God being with them.
The Intriguing Story of the First ChristmasMyWonderStudio
1) The archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she would give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. Mary was confused but accepted God's plan.
2) Joseph initially doubted Mary's story but an angel visited him in a dream and assured him the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
3) Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem for a census and Jesus was born in a stable, as there was no room for them in the inn. Shepherds visited the manger after angels announced Jesus' birth to them.
The document contrasts two groups at Jesus' first coming: those who were ready and welcomed him, and those who were not ready and rejected him. Those who were ready include the Magi, Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna. Those who were not ready include Caesar Augustus, Herod, all of Jerusalem, and the "inn keeper." The document argues these groups foreshadow those who will be ready and not ready for Jesus' second coming.
This document provides guidance and material for preaching about Christ at Christmas, including:
1. Four challenges in preaching Christ at Christmas and ways to address them by exploring biblical passages about his birth from the Gospels and Old Testament.
2. Examples of themes and topics that can be drawn from the Christmas narratives, such as the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth, the message of joy for all people, and responses to the birth like worshipping and proclaiming the good news.
3. Suggestions for sermon topics focused on the meaning of Christmas, such as the light Christ brings, God's gift of his Son, and Christ coming as both a perfect gift and so people can become God
The real meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. While many see Christmas as a time of gifts, food, and decorations, it marks the arrival of God sending his son to earth. Jesus was born in Bethlehem to save humanity from sin. His birth brought great joy to shepherds and wise men who knew he was no ordinary baby. God sent Jesus to one day pay the price for humanity's sins through his death on the cross so that all may be forgiven and have eternal life in heaven. Inviting Jesus into one's heart allows true happiness and joy at Christmas that lasts all year.
The Story of Christmas by Eric Langager, Beijing Diarylangager1
1. The document summarizes the biblical story of Christmas, recounting the key events from Mary and Joseph's betrothal to the visit of the Magi. It discusses the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary, the census that took Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem where Jesus was born, the shepherds visiting the manger, and Herod ordering the killing of infants in Bethlehem.
2. It also analyzes some of the theological implications, such as the virgin birth and incarnation doctrines. Additionally, it considers historical context around the census and questions about details in the nativity story.
3. The document concludes by noting Jesus grew up healthy in Nazareth as the family business took over, though he
Christmas Advent Cards - Color and Black & WhiteFreekidstories
Free stories, books, ebooks, classes, flashcards, videos, and coloring pages for children - www.freekidstories.org
preschoolers, Christmas, Advent, first Christmas, nativity, arts and crafts, Christmas activities, coloring pages, daily Christmas activities, Bible stories, New Testament stories, children
Advent children
Christmas children
first Christmas children
Advent activities children
Christmas activities children
Bible story Christmas
stories from the Bible
stories from New Testament
Faith Over Fear - Being Set Free From Free by JesusCole Hartman
Fear cripples and paralyzes you. Sometimes it's small and sometimes it's big but we are all ruled by fear one day or another. In Christ, fear becomes a liar, and we are given freedom by the Spirit of God. Whatever you are afraid of, consider the Bible's approach to fear and learn to be set free by Jesus.
Music and dance troupes preserve the ancient Aztec religion in a Roman Catholic country
Keywords: ancient Aztec religion, Aztec culture, Aztec Eagle Knights, Aztec gods, Aztec musical instruments, Aztec religion, Aztec rituals, Aztec worship, canonization, Carlos Castaneda, danzantes aztecas, David Carrasco, Don Juan, drumming, Grupo Huittzilopochtli, Harvard University, Harvard Divinity School, heuheutl, human sacrifice, Indigenous ancestry, Jenoma Study of World DNA, Juan Diego, La Villa, mestizo, Mexican ancestry, Mexican Christianity, Mexican dance, Mexican religion, Mexican spirituality, Mexico City, mixed races, náhuatl, National Museum of Anthropology, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope John Paul II, Proceso, Roman Catholicism, Santeria, shamans, spirit possession, syncretism, Tonantzin, Toronto Star, Victoria Gaitskell, Vincente Fox
Landmark Church Built By Runaway U.S. Slaves | Toronto StarVictoria Gaitskell
Landmark Church Built By Runaway U.S. Slaves: Steeped in history, it was an Underground Railroad headquarters
Keywords: Abolition, African Canadians, African Methodist Episcopal Church, black communities, Black History Month, British Methodist Episcopal Church, church architecture, church woodwork, Daniel Rupwate, escaped slaves, Frederick Douglass, fugitive slaves, Harriet Tubman, Harry Harper, Hiram Wilson, Jews, John Brown, John Wesley, June Harper, Methodism, Ontario Heritage Foundation, Quakers, refugee slaves, Refugee Slaves Friends Society, Richard Allen, Rochelle Bush, safe houses, slave trade, slavery, slaves, St Catharines, St. Catharines, Toronto Star, Underground Railroad, Upper Canada, Victoria Gaitskell, William Hamilton Merritt
Which colour to wear on which day in India (1).pdfAstroAmbe
Which Colour to Wear on Which Day in India? - AstroAmbe
Discover the best colors to wear each day in India based on Vedic astrology. Learn how specific colors for each day can bring good luck, positive energy, and balance to your life. Follow our complete guide to enhance your fortune and well-being. Read at: https://medium.com/@astroambe01/which-colour-to-wear-on-which-day-in-india-1fd2af4cf48c
Report on the Ribbon of Kindness Week campaign and ecumenical church service held in St. Catharines, Ontario, to honour the memory of Kristen French, who was abducted and murdered in 1992 aged 16 years.
Keywords: abduction and murder, Anglican Church of Canada, Barry Hollowell, child abductions, child murders, community tributes, dangerous offenders, Donna French, ecumenical services, Franco Savoia, Karla Homolka, Kristen French, Leslie Mahaffy, Lynne Corfield, murders, Niagara Children's Chorus, Paul Bernardo, psychopathic killers, random acts of kindness, rape and murder, Ribbon of Kindness Week, Scarborough Rapist, serial killers, serial rapists, sex murders, sex slayings, St. Catharines, St. George's Anglican Church, Stoney Creek, The Church of the Redeemer, Toronto Star, torture and murder, Victoria Gaitskell
Lesson 3 Ruth and Naomi Entwined by Love.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 3 Ruth and Naomi: Entwined by Love
EBD – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 3rd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: The God Who Rules the World and Takes Care of the Family: The Divine Teachings in the Books of Ruth and Esther For our Generation
Commentator: Pastor Silas Queiroz
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
Guru Purnima, also known as Vyasa Purnima, is an auspicious day dedicated to honoring and expressing gratitude towards teachers, mentors, and guides.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the story behind Guru Purnima, its significance, who it is dedicated to, and other topics.
Join us on this journey of reverence and respect for those who have helped shape our lives and beliefs.
Set Free from Worry and Anxiety Sermon.pptxStephen Palm
Throughout both the Old and New Testaments we are exhorted and even commanded not to worry or be anxious. However, we all struggle in obeying this wise counsel. We borrow trouble and our lives become increasingly unsettled. Constant connection to media doomsday scenarios adds great pressure, as does the relentless input from social media. Anxiety has become an epidemic impacting 20% of Americans today! In this sermon, we will begin with a 10-part description of the difference between worry and anxiety and will then look at two biblical examples, Moses and Elijah. We will also look at some of the Bible's many texts that comprise God's treatment plan to set us free of worry and anxiety.
Be that Person (Slideshow by: Kal-el Go)Kal-el Shows
Like the familiar phrase, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”, this message conveys to us that we should be to others what we assert others should be to us.
A an introductory slide presentation about the plants and animal in the Nan Tien Temple garden., to inspire investigation and protection of the nature.
Alabama love spells caster +27789571548 London Birmingham Liverpool Nottingha...mammanginangina1
Searching for guidance clarity, +27789571548 or a touch of the mystical in London Uk? Look no further! With a wealth of talented psychics and mediums throughout the city, you're sure to find the perfect connection to help you navigate life's challenges and embrace its possibilities. Whether you're seeking answers through a psychic reading, yearning to reconnect with a loved one through a medium, or hoping to find love with powerful spells, London Uk psychic community has something for everyone. Perhaps you're curious about the future, seeking clarity on a personal dilemma, or simply want to explore the realm of the unseen. The best psychics in London Uk offer a range of services, from tarot card readings and astrology consultations to spiritual healing and energy work. Don't hesitate to explore the rich tapestry of psychic services available, from established practitioners to those operating under the veil of anonymity. With a little exploration and an open mind, you might just discover the perfect psychic partner to guide you on your journey. spell spells powerful lover candle magic paper relationship water board officio piece things members available works using heart chants get your love spell love spells piece paper magic spell Toronto Montréal Calgary Ottawa Edmonton Mississauga North York Winnipeg Vancouver Scarborough Québec Hamilton Brampton Surrey Laval Halifax Etobicoke London Okanagan Victoria Windsor Markham Oshawa Gatineau Vaughan Kitchener Longueuil Burnaby Ladner Saskatoon Richmond Hill Barrie Richmond Nepean Regina Oakville Burlington Greater Sudbury Abbotsford Saguenay Coquitlam St. Catharines Sherbrooke Lévis Kelowna Cambridge Trois Rivières Guelph East York Kingston Sydney Delta Dartmouth Thunder Bay St. John's Waterloo, spell love love oil powerful love get back lost love powerful spells spells work spell caster powerful love spell love spell caster
Wisdom and Revelation (Slideshow by: Kal-el)Kal-el Shows
In this presentation, you’ll find very insightful advice that is useful throughout life’s journey and particularly helpful for seeking guidance, decision making, changing location, or launching a new venture.
2. Matthew 1:18–19
This is how the birth of Jesus
the Messiah came about.
Mary was legally married to
Joseph, but before they
began living together, she was
found to be pregnant through
the Holy Spirit.
Because Joseph her husband
was a righteous man and did
not want to expose her to
public disgrace, he had in mind
to divorce her quietly.
3. It Begins with a Wedding…
Nowadays the two parts of a
wedding happen on the same day.
First the couple go to church to
sign the legal documents. Then
they hold a party to celebrate their
marriage.
4. …An Incomplete Wedding
In the time of Mary
and Joseph, people
often signed the legal
documents a whole
year before holding the
wedding party.
The
couple
were
legally married as soon
as they had signed the
papers. But the usual
custom was not to live
together until the day
of the party.
5. ‘You’re WHAT?’
Mary became pregnant
while she and Joseph were
in their year of waiting.
People didn’t think they
had broken a big rule. But
it was certainly assumed
that they had broken a
small one.
One person who thought
differently
was
…
JOSEPH.
6. Was it REALLY a Virgin Birth?
Joseph knew that he hadn’t broken
any rules!
But would you just believe it if a
pregnant girl told you that she was
still a virgin? Or would you think she
was lying about something?
Joseph wasn’t stupid. He didn’t
believe Mary’s story!
Don’t believe ANYTHING
uncritically. It’s unscientific!
7. What was Joseph Thinking?
She’s broken a really BIG rule.
Does she love someone else?
Is she a bad girl?
Has she gone mad?
Will the local fanatics
try to hurt her?
What should I DO about this?
8. Matthew 1:20–21
But after he had considered
this, an angel of the Lord
appeared to him in a dream
and said, ‘Joseph son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary
home as your wife, because
her child is from the Holy
Spirit. She will give birth to a
son, and you are to give him
the name Jesus, because he
will save his people from their
sins.’
9. Matthew 1:24–25a
When Joseph woke
up, he did what the
angel of the Lord had
commanded him.
He took Mary home
as his wife. But he did
not sleep with her
until she gave birth to
a son.
10. The Good Stepfather
Why do you think Joseph
did things this way?
Why did he
marry Mary at all?
Why did he
not sleep with her?
11. Luke 2:1–3
In
those
days,
Caesar
Augustus issued a decree that
a census should be taken of
the entire Roman world. (This
was the first census that took
place while Quirinus was
governor of Syria.) And
everyone went to his own town
to register.
12. What was the Emperor Thinking?
Who was Augustus?
Who was Quirinus?
A census means ‘counting people’.
Why do you think Augustus
wanted to count people?
Why do you think people had to
return to their original towns?
13. Luke 2:4–5
So Joseph also went up from
the town of Nazareth in
Galilee
to
Judea,
to
Bethlehem the town of David,
because he belonged to the
house and line of David. He
went there to register with
Mary, who was legally married
to him and was pregnant.
14. Was there REALLY a Little Donkey?
The Christmas cards usually show
Mary riding on a donkey.
But the Bible doesn’t mention any
donkey, and Joseph was a poor
man. It’s possible that they had to
walk all the way.
The journey was about 70 miles.
15. Luke 2:5–7
While they were there, the
time came for the baby to be
born, and she gave birth to
her firstborn, a son. She
wrapped him in cloths and
placed him in a manger,
because there was no room
for them in the house.
16. A House with a Stable
The house would have been built
with two storeys. The upper storey
was for the humans, while the
ground floor was the stable for the
animals.
17. Was there REALLY No Room at the Inn?
We are used to the idea that Joseph
wanted to stay at an ‘inn’. But in
fact the Bible just uses the ordinary
word for ‘house’.
In which house was there ‘no
room’?
Since Bethlehem was Joseph’s
home town, he probably had
family still living there. It might
have been his own relatives who
lent him their stable!
18. What were the Neighbours Thinking?
It seems odd that a girl who was
going into labour would be shunted
off to the stable. Couldn’t someone
inside the house have made room
for her?
There may have been a social
prejudice at work here. After all, it
was obvious that she had been
pregnant for nine months, but the
family would have known that she
had only been living with Joseph
for five!
19. Salvation in the Feeding Trough
‘Wrapped in cloths’ was the usual
custom. Parents believed that a
child’s limbs would grow crooked
unless the baby was very tightly
bound.
‘Laid him in the manger’ was
definitely not usual. Would you lay
your baby in the dog’s dish?
Well, you might if you had
nowhere else!
20. Luke 2:8–9
And there were shepherds
living out in the fields nearby,
keeping watch over their
flocks at night.
An angel of the Lord appeared
to them, and the glory of the
Lord shone around them, and
they were terrified.
21. Was the Angel REALLY Glitter-Pretty?
Why is it so terrifying to see an
angel?
I don’t know, because I’ve never
seen one. But whenever an angel
appears to a human, his first words
are always, ‘Fear not!’
How does this match the average
Christmas-tree angel?
22. Would You Trust a Shepherd?
Shepherds were the dregs of society.
Because the farmer was too busy to
supervise them, shepherds could often
get away with being lazy. Because they
were poorly paid, they often stole off
the farmer.
Everyone knew you couldn’t trust a
shepherd. It was like trusting a used-car
salesman.
Why were shepherds the first ones to be
told that the Messiah had arrived?
23. Luke 2:10–12
But the angel said to them,
‘Do not be afraid. I bring you
good news of great joy that
will be for all the people.
Today in the town of David a
Saviour has been born to you;
he is the Messiah and the
Lord. This will be a sign to
you: You will find a baby
wrapped in cloths and lying in
a manger.’
24. What were the Prophets Thinking?
Why is Bethlehem
the ‘town of David’?
How did the Jews know
that the Messiah
would be born there?
(See Micah 5:2.)
Why did the angel need to
give the shepherds a
‘sign’?
25. Luke 2:13–14
Look carefully at the angels’ song.
How are the words different from
what you read on the average
Christmas card?
Suddenly a great company of
the heavenly host appeared
with the angel, praising God
and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to his
favoured people.’
26. Was it REALLY ‘Peace to All Mankind’?
They did not sing:
‘Peace to all mankind,’
But:
‘Peace to God’s favoured people.’
What difference does this make?
Who are God’s favoured people?
27. Whose Favourite are YOU?
What does peace mean?
Which ‘war’ was being ended?
Why is the war only over for God’s
favourites and not for everyone?
Why were the shepherds happy?
How can you be sure that you are
one of God’s favourites?
28. Luke 2:15–16
When the angels had left
them and gone into heaven,
the shepherds said to one
another,
‘Let’s
go
to
Bethlehem and see this thing
that has happened, which the
Lord has told us about.’
So they hurried off and found
Mary and Joseph, and the
baby, who was lying in the
manger.
29. What were the Shepherds Thinking?
The shepherds could have said:
‘Well, that’s nice. One day I’ll
tell my grandchildren that I
saw a real angel. Now hand
over another lentilburger!’
But they didn’t. They hurried off to
visit this new Messiah.
What is your reaction to knowing
that the Messiah has come?
30. Luke 2:17–20
When they had seen him, they spread
the word concerning what had been
told them about this child, and all
who heard it were amazed at what
the shepherds said to them.
But Mary treasured up all these
things and pondered them in her
heart.
The shepherds returned, glorifying
and praising God for all the things
they had heard and seen, which were
just as they had been told.
31. What REALLY Happened Next?
Here’s a part of the story that the
average Nativity play leaves out.
The shepherds ran all over the
Bethlehem region to tell people
about the Messiah.
This part might not make such a
cute school play. Do people really
want the good news to be
broadcast through multicultural
Britain?
32. How Far to the Temple?
Well, here’s a part of the story
that’s even less theatrical. It
happened about six weeks later, so
Mary and Joseph were quite likely
out of the stable by now. There’s
no cinema value at all.
33. Luke 2:25–27a
Now there was a man in Jerusalem
called Simeon, who was righteous
and devout. He was waiting for the
consolation of Israel, and the Holy
Spirit was upon him. It had been
revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he would not die before he
had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
Moved by the Spirit, he went into
the temple courts. When the
parents brought in the child
Jesus…
34. Luke 2:28–32
Simeon took him in his arms and praised
God, saying:
’Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared
in the sight of all people,
light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’
35. What was Simeon Thinking?
How do you think Simeon
recognised this baby as the special
one?
We don’t know. But Simeon knew
the Scriptures, so he had had
plenty of clues to expect the
Messiah to be born around now.
Do you know of any Old
Testament prophecies that point to
Jesus?
36. Luke 2:33–35
The child’s father and mother
marvelled at what was said
about him. Then Simeon
blessed them and said to
Mary, his mother:
‘This child is destined to
cause the falling and rising of
many in Israel, and to be a
sign that will be spoken
against, so that the thoughts
of many hearts will be
revealed. And a sword will
pierce your own soul too.’
37. Why was Jesus REALLY Born?
How did Simeon’s prophecy
come true?
Does it spoil the spirit of Christmas
to think too hard about that?
Never mind, let’s return to the
subject of presents and
Nativity shows…
38. Matthew 2:1
After Jesus was born in
Bethlehem in Judaea, during
the time of King Herod, Magi
from the east came to
Jerusalem…
39. Were there REALLY Three Wise Men?
‘Magi’ were officials in the service of
the King of Persia.
Kings? No, only a King’s servants.
Three of them? The Bible doesn’t tell
us the number. There might have been
a whole convention of them.
Wise men? We know of one very
UNwise thing they were doing.
Phraates IV was King of Persia at the
time Jesus was born.
40. What were the Magi Thinking?
They took advice from the stars.
That’s right, they calculated their
horoscopes,
then
acted
accordingly!
The Bible warns us again and
again not to waste our time doing
this. But the Magi had never read
the Scriptures. Since they almost
certainly followed the Zoroastrian
religion, they didn’t know any
better.
41. What on Earth was GOD Thinking?
What do you think of God’s choice
of people who would meet the
Messiah first?
First a gang of shepherds (usedcar salesmen).
Then an old man who was about
to die.
Then a convention of astrologers
(New Age pagans)?
42. Was there REALLY a Star?
The Magi had some completely
wrong ideas about how to
understand the universe.
Yet God used these wrong ideas to
lead them to the Messiah.
There is hope for even the most
wrongheaded people. God wants to
give everyone a chance to be
rescued!
43. Luke 2:2
… and asked, ‘Where is the
one who has been born King of
the Jews? We saw His star in
the east and have come to
worship Him.’
44. Was King Herod REALLY Evil?
This was an unwise thing to say to King
Herod. He thought of HIMSELF as
King of the Jews. Any newborn King
ought to be a member of his own
family!
Most of the Jews disliked Herod
because they didn’t think of him as a
‘real’ Jew. His ancestors were
foreigners who had converted to
Judaism. But Herod’s conversion wasn’t
very sincere. He had already murdered
five members of his own family.
45. Where was the Baby?
There were no newborns in
Herod’s family, but there were
people who wanted to push Herod
off the throne.
How do you think Herod felt about
the fact that these strangers were
looking for a NEW King?
Why had the Magi come looking
for the Prince in a palace?
46. Luke 2:3–4
When King Herod
heard this he was
disturbed, and all
Jerusalem with him.
When he had called
together
all
the
people’s chief priests
and teachers of the
law, he asked them
where the Messiah
was to be born.
47. Luke 2:5–6
‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied,
‘for this is what the prophet has written:
‘But you, Bethlehem,
in the land of Judah,
are by no means least
among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd
of my people Israel.’
[Micah 5:2]
48. Luke 2:7–8
Then Herod called the Magi
secretly and found out from
them the exact time the star
had appeared. He sent them
to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and
make a careful search for the
child. As soon as you find him,
report to me, so that I too
may go and worship him.’
49. What was King Herod Thinking?
Herod was lying, of course. Did he
really plan to WORSHIP the new
King?
But the Magi didn’t know this.
They were foreigners who hadn’t
checked out Herod’s history.
What’s more, their oh-so-amazing
horoscopes hadn’t warned them
about Herod either.
How naïve!
50. Luke 2:9–10
After they had heard the
king, they went on their way,
and the star they had seen in
the east went ahead of them
until it stopped over the place
where the child was. When
they saw the star, they were
overjoyed.
51. Luke 2:11
On coming to the house, they
saw the child with his mother
Mary, and they bowed down
and worshipped him. Then
they opened their treasures
and presented him with gifts
of gold and of incense and of
myrrh.
52. Christmas Means Presents…
Gold is for kings.
Incense is a kind of perfume
that priests burned to the gods.
Myrrh was used in medicine –
it was for someone who was
only too human.
53. …God’s Present to Us
They may not have not done it
deliberately, but these unwise Magi
had managed to convey some
profound truths after all!
Jesus is fully human.
He is qualified to represent the
human race.
Jesus is fully God.
His actions are the acts of God.
Jesus is always King
to His favoured people.
54. Luke 2:12–13
And having been warned in a
dream not to go back to
Herod, they returned to their
country by another route.
When they had gone, an angel
of the Lord appeared to
Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he
said, ‘take the child and his
mother and escape to Egypt.
Stay there until I tell you, for
Herod is going to search for
the child to kill him.’
55. God’s Plan Will Triumph
Herod was evil and paranoid, but
he was no match for God’s plans.
The Magi were warned – and so
was Joseph.
56. Luke 2:14–15
So he got up, took the child
and his mother during the
night and left for Egypt,
where he stayed until the
death of Herod. And so was
fulfilled what the Lord had
said through the prophet:
Out of Egypt I called my son.
[Hosea 11:1]
57. What were the Egyptians Thinking?
Do you think it odd that Joseph
had to take Jesus to Egypt?
Egypt was the land of slavery,
from which God had long ago
rescued His chosen people. Now it
was the place of safety.
All the old ways of looking at the
world had been turned upside
down.
58. What is the World Thinking this Christmas?
Christmas is a popular festival
because everyone likes the idea of
Baby Jesus being born in a stable.
There are stars, angels, costly gifts,
humble shepherds – sometimes
even a little donkey.
We know we wouldn’t be like
King Herod. We want to wish
Baby Jesus a happy birthday.
59. What are YOU Thinking?
Easter is a
much less popular festival.
We’d rather forget what we did to
Jesus when He grew up.
60. John 1:14,12
The Word became human
and lived among us.
To everyone who
accepted Him,
to those who trusted
in His name,
he gave the right
to become
children of God!