God’s message for everyone – I love you and have given my Son for you Text: Luke 2:8-20 & Matthew 2:1-11 The Shepherds and The Magi Why these two groups? Footnotes: The Christmas Story includes the account of two vastly different groups: The shepherds and the wisemen (Magi). Traditionally our manger scenes include Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, various farm animals, & some shepherds & wise men. This scene is not historically accurate, as the wisemen did not arrive

A Message of Wonder Text: Luke 1:26-45 An Angelic Visitor The Messenger from God (vs. 26-27) Was named Gabriel Was sent to a city in Galilee, called Nazareth Sent to a virgin named Mary, engaged to Joseph A Message from God (vs. 30-31) “Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb a son, and you will call him Jesus.” Footnotes: Amos 3:7 “Surely the Lord God does nothing Un

Text: Luke 1:5-23, 57-80 The Birth of John the Baptist The Conception of John the Baptist Blameless and barren (5-7) Zacharias “chosen by lot” (8-10) An angelic encounter (11-12) An awesome prophecy (13-17) Insecurity, doubt and weak faith (18) The price of doubt (19-20) Elizabeth conceives (24-25) The Birth of J