Lectionary Discussion for Christmas Eve 08
Well friends, you made it through the fourth Sunday of Advent now comes;
Christmas Eve
Isaiah 9:2-7Psalm 96 (UMH 815)Titus 2:11-14Luke 2:1-20
Isaiah 9:2-7 Isaiah speaks of new hope to come in his own day for the war-torn regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, the heart of Galilee , which became the center of the ministry of Jesus. The prophecy concludes with the now-famous words: "For a child has been born for us, a son given for us: titles given to the coming child: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. This child will usher in justice and righteousness "from this time forward and for evermore" (v. 7). This is the child born in a stable. Last week John spoke of the light coming, and now this light has come into the darkness of the world. Psalm 96 (UMH 815) A psalm of jubilant praise for the glorious reign of God!Titus 2:11-14 The grace of God has appeared in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. God's grace in Christ continues to cleanse and free us from the power of sin the Titus passage tells us is that God acted by giving us a gift in Jesus Christ, "bringing salvation to all," and that the appropriate response to such an act is "to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly" (2:11, 12).Luke 2:1-20 "The Christmas Gospel" or “The Christmas Story”. Jesus is born, angels announce this to shepherds, and Mary ponders the message of the shepherds in her heart. What is the biggest challenge for you in preaching this all familiar passage on Christmas Eve? Possible focus; Who the message came to and how we are like or different from them? How would we (will we) have responded to the angel's message? Would we (Will we) have gone on to Bethlehem to find the baby? Would we (will we) spread the good news? Where is our joy this Christmas Eve? You could also focus on verse 10 "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. How is we are afraid, and how can we not be afraid? How is it that we are afraid when it involves the holy? Or you could focus on 14b "on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Or you could focus on Mary's response in verse 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Most want to hear the Luke passage and story, you could have that read along with whatever passage you choose to be the focus of your preaching. So let us hear from you about Christmas Eve preaching and Communion.
Tomorrow I'll introduce the passages for Sunday.
In the meantime, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Christmas Eve
Isaiah 9:2-7Psalm 96 (UMH 815)Titus 2:11-14Luke 2:1-20
Isaiah 9:2-7 Isaiah speaks of new hope to come in his own day for the war-torn regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, the heart of Galilee , which became the center of the ministry of Jesus. The prophecy concludes with the now-famous words: "For a child has been born for us, a son given for us: titles given to the coming child: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. This child will usher in justice and righteousness "from this time forward and for evermore" (v. 7). This is the child born in a stable. Last week John spoke of the light coming, and now this light has come into the darkness of the world. Psalm 96 (UMH 815) A psalm of jubilant praise for the glorious reign of God!Titus 2:11-14 The grace of God has appeared in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. God's grace in Christ continues to cleanse and free us from the power of sin the Titus passage tells us is that God acted by giving us a gift in Jesus Christ, "bringing salvation to all," and that the appropriate response to such an act is "to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly" (2:11, 12).Luke 2:1-20 "The Christmas Gospel" or “The Christmas Story”. Jesus is born, angels announce this to shepherds, and Mary ponders the message of the shepherds in her heart. What is the biggest challenge for you in preaching this all familiar passage on Christmas Eve? Possible focus; Who the message came to and how we are like or different from them? How would we (will we) have responded to the angel's message? Would we (Will we) have gone on to Bethlehem to find the baby? Would we (will we) spread the good news? Where is our joy this Christmas Eve? You could also focus on verse 10 "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. How is we are afraid, and how can we not be afraid? How is it that we are afraid when it involves the holy? Or you could focus on 14b "on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Or you could focus on Mary's response in verse 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Most want to hear the Luke passage and story, you could have that read along with whatever passage you choose to be the focus of your preaching. So let us hear from you about Christmas Eve preaching and Communion.
Tomorrow I'll introduce the passages for Sunday.
In the meantime, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
posted by Unknown | 2:54 PM
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