12 25-11 - the (familiar) story of christmas (for web)

The (Familiar) Story of Christmas Luke 2:1-21

Scene 1 (vs. 1-6)Setting (general): Decree to be registered (decree emphasized, not Caesar)Result (general): All went to be registered, each to his own townResult (specific): Joseph went “up” from Galilee to Judea (to be registered) To Bethlehem (b/c he was of the house & lineage of David) – 3-5 days With Mary His betrothed “With child” (not his child – cf. 1:34-35) While there, the time came for her to give birth At this point there is aShe gave birth to her firstborn son shift in which character(s)Wrapped him in swaddling cloths the action followsLaid him in a manger (b/c there was no room for them in the inn)

Scene 2 (vs. 7-15)Setting: Shepherds in the field near Bethlehem (watching flock by night)An angel of the Lord appeared to them The glory of the Lord shone around them They were filled with fearAngelic message: Fear not – Good news of great joy for all people Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior (Christ the Lord) A sign – a baby, wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a mangerAngelic chorus – praising God Introduction of Glory to God in the highest two realms On earth, peace among men on whom His favor rests (NIV)Angelic departure (to heavenly realm)Shepherds’ determination: Let’s go to Bethlehem and seeShepherds’ recognition: The Lord has made this known to us

Scene 3 (vs. 16-20)They went with hasteThey found Mary & Joseph, and the baby (“lying in a manger”)When they saw it, they made known the saying told them concerning child Good news of great All who heard it wondered joy for all people Mary treasured up & pondered A Savior, who is Christ, the LordShepherds returned, glorifying & praising God Shalom on earth For all they had heard & seen among men of favor As it had been told them

Text: Luke 2:1-21 Height of Conflict: Reversal: Shepherds hasten to Bethl. Shepherds make known the saying told them concerning child Find Mary & Joseph Find the Baby (in manger) Conflict Intensifies: Resolution Begins: Shepherds in fields outside of Bethlehem Angel appears with glory (shepherds fear) All who heard it wondered Angelic message (Savior)/sign (baby in manger) Mary treasured & pondered Angelic chorus – distinction of two realms Angelic departure (return to heavenly realm) Driving Conflict: Shepherds’ determination to see Shepherds’ recognition – God has made known Conflict Unravels: Conflict Builds: Joseph leaves Galilee for Bethlehem Mary pregnant – gives birth ? Shepherds return, glorifying God Rejoicing in what they’d seen & heard Rejoicing that it was as it was told them Baby laid in manger (no room)Setting: Occasioning Event: Conflict Resolved: Outcome: Palestine Registration decree After 8 days the Baby is named Angelic instruction fulfilled (under Roman rule) (by Caesar Augustus) (Jesus – “YHWH is Salvation”) Divine identification initiated

Text: Luke 2:1-21 Height of Conflict: Reversal: Shepherds hasten to Bethl. Shepherds make known the saying told them concerning child Find Mary & Joseph Find the Baby (in manger) Conflict Intensifies: Resolution Begins: Shepherds in fields outside of Bethlehem Angel appears with glory (shepherds fear) All who heard it wondered Angelic message (Savior)/sign (baby in manger) Mary treasured & pondered Angelic chorus – distinction of two realms Angelic departure (return to heavenly realm) Driving Conflict: Shepherds’ determination to see Shepherds’ recognition – God has made known Conflict Unravels: Response to the difficult, yet Shepherds return, glorifying God Conflict Builds: authoritative Rejoicing in what they’d seen & heard Joseph leaves Galilee for Bethlehem word Rejoicing that it was as it was told them Mary pregnant – gives birth Baby laid in manger (no room) What is at stake?Setting: Occasioning Event: Conflict Resolved: Outcome: Palestine Registration decree After 8 days the Baby is named Angelic instruction fulfilled (under Roman rule) (by Caesar Augustus) (Jesus – “YHWH is Salvation”) Divine identification initiated

But what about this familiar story remains difficult for us?

The whole point of the story is the sign – the baby was found “in the manger” “as it had been told them.”And if that part of the angel’s message was true . . .

So, what should be our response this morning? 2:18-20• Be filled with wonder over the full truth about Jesus • Be sure to treasure the full truth about Jesus • Take time to ponder the full truth about Jesus • And if you believe them… rejoice in the full truth about Jesus

Do you believe the Christmas story? Unto YOU is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!

12 25-11 - the (familiar) story of christmas (for web)

by ryweberg on Jan 20, 2012

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