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!
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