The Nativity Of Our Lord
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VII Cycle C
Seasonal Theme
The Savior is born into the human world and circumstances.
Theme For The Day
The Savior is born in Bethlehem in order to bring light to a dark world and provide for us forgiveness for our sins.
Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 9:2-7
Light To Those Still In Darkness
The hope for the future reign of justice is always a part of the Old Testament kingship ideas (see 11:2-5 and 2 Samuel 23:3-7). Here we have the promise of the restoration of the Davidic Kingdom. In their dark days there is hope for a new David who will bring light to them. Verse 3 assures us there will be great joy when their oppressors are overthrown. This new transcendent king will be a wonderful counselor, etc. (v. 6b). And from now on this reign will be about justice and righteousness. Compressed, we can say about this marvelous passage:
1. Light came to those still living in the dark.
2. There will be great joy, a very special child is born who will be a Prince of Peace.
3. And he will rule with justice and righteousness.
For a Christmas Eve candlelight worship service you just can't beat verse 2b using the rest to describe the light which has come.
New Testament Lesson
Titus 2:11-14
Grace Appears
The Old Testament tells us of a promised one to come and bring peace and justice. This reading tells us what the grown-up Jesus' mission was. The coming Gospel tells us of the beginning of the whole operation.
The work of Christ, according to Paul, has a twofold meaning: 1) redeems us from iniquity (v. 14a), and 2) separates from the world those people who belong to Christ (v. 14b and 1 Peter 2:9-10). So Titus says God's grace has appeared (a nice way to announce the birth of Jesus) and that grace is teaching us to live differently -- self-controlled, upright, and godly -- while we wait (vv. 12, 13). Characteristic of this letter to Titus from Paul is the importance of good works. Perhaps this is a wise choice for Christmas Eve or Day when we so stress the gifts of God.
The Gospel
Luke 2:1-20
The Birth Of Jesus
Luke views Jesus' birth affecting all of the world so we can begin with a decree from the Emperor. The shepherds, who understand what they heard and saw, stand in contrast with the "religious" of the day who didn't seem to understand.
There is an interesting theme of Luke which already comes out. As people do their ordinary work, they find themselves in God's presence. Recognizing the "signs" which God gives and acts on means they find a peace which is much more than the absence of trouble. The meaning of the song of the angels does not signify we can bring about peace on our own. Peace comes to those whom God favors (v. 14). Notice that upon the return of the shepherds after seeing the baby Jesus, the shepherds glorified and praised God for all they had heard and seen.
The shepherds were simple men to whom came the first announcement of Jesus' birth.
Some other ideas to remember for the biblical accounts of our Savior's birth which can add background and color to your sermon:
1. The stable was a limestone cave. Today, they'll show you one under the altar in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. This is the church under siege in 2002.
2. The shepherds and "Wise Men" did not arrive at the manger at the same time. The Wise Men probably arrived six months to two years after the birth.
3. The shepherds were out at night because it was lambing time and these were temple flocks eventually used for temple sacrifice.
4. Usually at a new birth the local musicians gathered and played in celebration. No chance here, but the angels sang!
5. Bethlehem is seventy miles south of Nazareth -- it's a long trip, especially for an almost-due pregnant woman.
6. Micah 5:2 predicts the birth of the Messiah will be in Bethlehem.
7. Light is the typical symbol of divine revelation.
8. The sign that all this is true is the simple surroundings (see Isaiah 7:14-15).
Preaching Possibilities
It's the Nativity of Our Lord and we must retell the story all have come to hear.
A. One possibility is to use all three readings:
1. Isaiah tells us it's light to those still living in darkness.
2. Titus tells us the birth of Jesus is the arrival of God's grace for us.
3. Luke tells us it's a Savior who is born.
B. Another way to organize would be to use personalities:
1. What Christmas meant to Mary and Joseph.
2. What Christmas meant to the shepherds.
3. What Christmas meant to the angels.
4. What Christmas means for us tonight.
C. Because most of us preach this sermon on Christmas Eve, the Old Testament Isaiah account really works well, especially if it is a candlelight service: Isaiah 9:2b, light for those in darkness. The light is for everyone:
1. It is to eliminate the darkness of sin and fear.
2. It shows us a new way in a dark world.
3. It illuminates the way to peace.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
A. Begin by retelling the birth story in your own words.
B. Move to your own memories in hearing this story in your home church as a child.
C. Announce what you most like in the story.
1. Jesus comes to common people in common circumstances. He knows what it is like.
2. Jesus' birth is first announced to shepherds, not kings or princes. We are included.
3. The angels' anthem: be not afraid and God's people will have peace. We need not be afraid and can also have peace for our troubled lives.
D. Tell your hearers what this says to us now:
1. God loves us this much to go to all this trouble.
2. We, like the angels, have peace to proclaim.
3. We, like the shepherds, must return home and share the news that we have a God who came in person so understands, modeled the godly life for us, went to the cross for our forgiveness, came out of the grave so that we might also, and is with us now in spirit. (This summary is important as we very well might have those listening who have not heard this Gospel before, or at least for a long time.)
E. Relate a story or metaphor from below.
F. Frame your sermon by summarizing in reverse order and then going back to your memory of hearing this story of Christmas as a child.
Prayer For The Day
On this special night of your light coming into our dark world, we celebrate with Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and angels your birth into our world in order to save us and know how it is it be human. Help us to share this light of the gospel out in our dark world where we live, work, and play. Make our voices angelic, too, full of good news of a savior and peace -- glorious Christmas peace. Amen.
Possible Metaphors And Stories
"Mama Gannah" (Amanda Gardner), the Bible Woman of Liberia, West Africa, said of the missionary nurse, Marie Jensen, who raised and taught her, that when she taught, she "... wore Ma Jensen's skin." Since then many letters have arrived from my students there which have said, "Today I wore your skin ... I taught them about Jesus." Jesus put on our skin in the incarnation and asks us to wear his skin in the world in our ministry.
Julie Walters, 34, an actress making the film, She'll Be Wearing Pink Pajamas, announced during a nude scene that a new ruling by the Screen Actors Guild was that all technicians must also get nude during the filming. The naked truth was that it was a bluff; she told them after they had done it.
Jesus came to earth to strip just like us and share what it's like to be fully human -- it's called the incarnation.
In the movie Sacrifice, the African woman says, "I just want peace. I want to come home to kindness again. I'll fight with you, but don't ask me to kill." We Christians have the great gift of peace and the great task of peacemaking.
I heard the story of a new captain of a battleship. On his first cruise out of New York Harbor he spotted a light ahead. He radioed ahead and said for the light to identify itself and take a 90 degree turn right. No response. He radioed again, "Look, I'm a battleship and I can blow you out of the water. Take a 90 degree turn to the right." The response came back, "I'm the lighthouse and you take the 90 degree turn."
We have a light in the darkness to give us direction. We often try to move the lighthouse rather than alter our course. Now this will really preach.
Note: I have found the Christmas cards sent to me as their pastor often make good illustrations for my preaching. It is effective to hold them up, tell who they are from, and read the message which best illustrates what you are trying to say. However, be prepared for an avalanche of religious cards next year!
The Savior is born into the human world and circumstances.
Theme For The Day
The Savior is born in Bethlehem in order to bring light to a dark world and provide for us forgiveness for our sins.
Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 9:2-7
Light To Those Still In Darkness
The hope for the future reign of justice is always a part of the Old Testament kingship ideas (see 11:2-5 and 2 Samuel 23:3-7). Here we have the promise of the restoration of the Davidic Kingdom. In their dark days there is hope for a new David who will bring light to them. Verse 3 assures us there will be great joy when their oppressors are overthrown. This new transcendent king will be a wonderful counselor, etc. (v. 6b). And from now on this reign will be about justice and righteousness. Compressed, we can say about this marvelous passage:
1. Light came to those still living in the dark.
2. There will be great joy, a very special child is born who will be a Prince of Peace.
3. And he will rule with justice and righteousness.
For a Christmas Eve candlelight worship service you just can't beat verse 2b using the rest to describe the light which has come.
New Testament Lesson
Titus 2:11-14
Grace Appears
The Old Testament tells us of a promised one to come and bring peace and justice. This reading tells us what the grown-up Jesus' mission was. The coming Gospel tells us of the beginning of the whole operation.
The work of Christ, according to Paul, has a twofold meaning: 1) redeems us from iniquity (v. 14a), and 2) separates from the world those people who belong to Christ (v. 14b and 1 Peter 2:9-10). So Titus says God's grace has appeared (a nice way to announce the birth of Jesus) and that grace is teaching us to live differently -- self-controlled, upright, and godly -- while we wait (vv. 12, 13). Characteristic of this letter to Titus from Paul is the importance of good works. Perhaps this is a wise choice for Christmas Eve or Day when we so stress the gifts of God.
The Gospel
Luke 2:1-20
The Birth Of Jesus
Luke views Jesus' birth affecting all of the world so we can begin with a decree from the Emperor. The shepherds, who understand what they heard and saw, stand in contrast with the "religious" of the day who didn't seem to understand.
There is an interesting theme of Luke which already comes out. As people do their ordinary work, they find themselves in God's presence. Recognizing the "signs" which God gives and acts on means they find a peace which is much more than the absence of trouble. The meaning of the song of the angels does not signify we can bring about peace on our own. Peace comes to those whom God favors (v. 14). Notice that upon the return of the shepherds after seeing the baby Jesus, the shepherds glorified and praised God for all they had heard and seen.
The shepherds were simple men to whom came the first announcement of Jesus' birth.
Some other ideas to remember for the biblical accounts of our Savior's birth which can add background and color to your sermon:
1. The stable was a limestone cave. Today, they'll show you one under the altar in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. This is the church under siege in 2002.
2. The shepherds and "Wise Men" did not arrive at the manger at the same time. The Wise Men probably arrived six months to two years after the birth.
3. The shepherds were out at night because it was lambing time and these were temple flocks eventually used for temple sacrifice.
4. Usually at a new birth the local musicians gathered and played in celebration. No chance here, but the angels sang!
5. Bethlehem is seventy miles south of Nazareth -- it's a long trip, especially for an almost-due pregnant woman.
6. Micah 5:2 predicts the birth of the Messiah will be in Bethlehem.
7. Light is the typical symbol of divine revelation.
8. The sign that all this is true is the simple surroundings (see Isaiah 7:14-15).
Preaching Possibilities
It's the Nativity of Our Lord and we must retell the story all have come to hear.
A. One possibility is to use all three readings:
1. Isaiah tells us it's light to those still living in darkness.
2. Titus tells us the birth of Jesus is the arrival of God's grace for us.
3. Luke tells us it's a Savior who is born.
B. Another way to organize would be to use personalities:
1. What Christmas meant to Mary and Joseph.
2. What Christmas meant to the shepherds.
3. What Christmas meant to the angels.
4. What Christmas means for us tonight.
C. Because most of us preach this sermon on Christmas Eve, the Old Testament Isaiah account really works well, especially if it is a candlelight service: Isaiah 9:2b, light for those in darkness. The light is for everyone:
1. It is to eliminate the darkness of sin and fear.
2. It shows us a new way in a dark world.
3. It illuminates the way to peace.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
A. Begin by retelling the birth story in your own words.
B. Move to your own memories in hearing this story in your home church as a child.
C. Announce what you most like in the story.
1. Jesus comes to common people in common circumstances. He knows what it is like.
2. Jesus' birth is first announced to shepherds, not kings or princes. We are included.
3. The angels' anthem: be not afraid and God's people will have peace. We need not be afraid and can also have peace for our troubled lives.
D. Tell your hearers what this says to us now:
1. God loves us this much to go to all this trouble.
2. We, like the angels, have peace to proclaim.
3. We, like the shepherds, must return home and share the news that we have a God who came in person so understands, modeled the godly life for us, went to the cross for our forgiveness, came out of the grave so that we might also, and is with us now in spirit. (This summary is important as we very well might have those listening who have not heard this Gospel before, or at least for a long time.)
E. Relate a story or metaphor from below.
F. Frame your sermon by summarizing in reverse order and then going back to your memory of hearing this story of Christmas as a child.
Prayer For The Day
On this special night of your light coming into our dark world, we celebrate with Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and angels your birth into our world in order to save us and know how it is it be human. Help us to share this light of the gospel out in our dark world where we live, work, and play. Make our voices angelic, too, full of good news of a savior and peace -- glorious Christmas peace. Amen.
Possible Metaphors And Stories
"Mama Gannah" (Amanda Gardner), the Bible Woman of Liberia, West Africa, said of the missionary nurse, Marie Jensen, who raised and taught her, that when she taught, she "... wore Ma Jensen's skin." Since then many letters have arrived from my students there which have said, "Today I wore your skin ... I taught them about Jesus." Jesus put on our skin in the incarnation and asks us to wear his skin in the world in our ministry.
Julie Walters, 34, an actress making the film, She'll Be Wearing Pink Pajamas, announced during a nude scene that a new ruling by the Screen Actors Guild was that all technicians must also get nude during the filming. The naked truth was that it was a bluff; she told them after they had done it.
Jesus came to earth to strip just like us and share what it's like to be fully human -- it's called the incarnation.
In the movie Sacrifice, the African woman says, "I just want peace. I want to come home to kindness again. I'll fight with you, but don't ask me to kill." We Christians have the great gift of peace and the great task of peacemaking.
I heard the story of a new captain of a battleship. On his first cruise out of New York Harbor he spotted a light ahead. He radioed ahead and said for the light to identify itself and take a 90 degree turn right. No response. He radioed again, "Look, I'm a battleship and I can blow you out of the water. Take a 90 degree turn to the right." The response came back, "I'm the lighthouse and you take the 90 degree turn."
We have a light in the darkness to give us direction. We often try to move the lighthouse rather than alter our course. Now this will really preach.
Note: I have found the Christmas cards sent to me as their pastor often make good illustrations for my preaching. It is effective to hold them up, tell who they are from, and read the message which best illustrates what you are trying to say. However, be prepared for an avalanche of religious cards next year!
