Week Six - It's Christmas!

Welcome to Week Six of our Bible Study! This week, we will take a break from our study of the parables and look at the Christmas story. Sure, you’ve read it in the Bible, seen the movies and specials and we all have many fond memories that stir our emotions around this time of year. These are all great and nobody loves all things Christmas more than I; the lights and decorations and music, I love it all. But we know there is a much higher purpose in our celebration around Christmas.

Unfortunately, during this odd year of isolation and, at times, anarchy, we have missed out on many celebrations and just the simple routine of gathering in church. So, I think this week’s study provides an opportunity to step back and reflect on life and maybe provide perspective.

As we dig into the Christmas story this week, go back and read the accounts in the three Gospels (Matthew, Luke and John) with a critical eye. We don’t get any information about the birth of our Lord in John but he does provide some unique information that is not found in any of the other books. In fact, as an aside, 90% of the narrative found in John Is not found in the other three Gospels. We’ll challenge many of the details about our Savior’s birth we probably heard in church for years.

We’ll also try to provide some perspective and context. Many times, we read the events in the Bible in isolation and forget that it is a linear narrative that is woven together so beautifully. So, as you read the Christmas story, give some thought to its foreshadowing in the Old Testament. Why was the Messiah mentioned so many times and why did man need a Messiah? And why was he rejected by those who should have welcomed His arrival?

Lots of things to discuss and ponder this week. Merry Christmas everyone and I look forward to seeing you all Sunday at 7 pm. See you then!

Here are the details about joining us on Zoom.

About Zoom:  We will use Zoom for this Bible study. If you are using a computer, just type in www.zoom.com and select “Join a Meeting” at the top of the page, then enter the meeting ID: 696 778 0839.

If you are using a phone, iPad or other portable device, then you will need to download the free Zoom app. Once you have the Zoom app, just open it and select “Join” a meeting, and use this ID:  696 778 0839. I would encourage everyone to go into their Zoom settings and add in a name, at a minimum, so everyone can see who you are.

Alternately, if you don’t want to download the app, you can open your device browser and enter www.zoom.com and follow the instructions above.

Regardless of what device you use, once you join, you will enter a waiting room and then I will admit you. I will typically open the meeting about 10 minutes early so folks can get joined and work through any technical issues. You are free to join with or without video, but if you want to talk, which I really encourage everyone to do, please turn your camera on so we can see you.

I have the meeting set up so that it automatically mutes everyone when you join, so don’t forget to “unmute” when you want to talk. Again, I encourage everyone to discuss topics, answer questions, ask questions or otherwise participate in the discussion. Please jump in if you have information to help clarify a point or you just need to talk. It’s all fine!