Nativity

Daddy finished writing the children's messages for December, the ones based on Nativity set pieces placed one by one around the stable.  Madison played piano quite a bit, practicing for tomorrow's big recital.  We're still a little 'iffy' on one tune, but she played it quite a bit.  She'll be fine, but we're still nervous parents of course!

There was ballet too - Daddy was reading in the car while waiting, reading about the "Fourth Wisemen."  That's a neat little story that will probably be talked about in December as we move forward with our new series for that month.

Also, a surge of chill sweeping over the land as temperatures dipped to the twenties, and a wind chill making things feel in the single digits.  Brrrr!  This is the sort of cold that is nearly painful for us in the South to walk out into.  Yes, we have quite a bit to be thankful in our warm house, sitting and watching Christmas movies and a fire roaring in the fireplace.  And we're thinking and praying for those without such blessings tonight, and grateful for what we have.

There is not much time to write today, so instead I will leave you with the rough draft of the messages for December - the concept is that one by one, pieces are placed in the Nativity set, one per service.  And each service we'll talk about the Wise Men, the Shepherds, Mary, Joseph, the Angels, and of course Jesus.  It should be fun!

Page One

 “Wise Men”

     Not as much is known about the Wise Men, except for this:  they were wise men.  As we place these three kings in their place on the Nativity Set, we look back upon their remarkable story, and just what it was that made them so wise.

      Firstly, we remember their encounter with the evil King Herod.  He tried to trick them into giving away the location where Jesus was, but the Wise Men were warned in a dream to avoid the evil king.  This wisdom came from God, and it is for you as well! Our Bibles tell us that we can ask God for wisdom, and He will give it to us - we can all be like the Wise Men!

      Secondly, we remember that the Wise Men were generous.  These men gave valuable gifts:  gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  It was used to take care of Jesus as he grew in wisdom and stature.  The first gifts of Christmas were from these men, starting a tradition we carry on to this day.

      Lastly, the most important thing they did was this:  they searched for Jesus.  Wise people still seek Him though, don't they?  Though they had money and positions of power, they were still willing to follow the star to the King of kings.

     So what made the Wise Men so wise?  They were generous and obedient to God.  But most of all, they spent much of their time seeking after Jesus.  In fact today, Wise Men still seek Jesus.

      

Page Two

“Wise Men”

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. This happened while Herod was king of Judea.

After Jesus’ birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem.  They asked, “Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? When we were in the east, we saw his star. Now we have come to worship him.”

When King Herod heard about it, he was very upset. Everyone in Jerusalem was troubled too.  So Herod called together all the chief priests of the people. He also called the teachers of the law. He asked them where the Christ was going to be born.

“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied. “This is what the prophet has written. He said,

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are certainly not the least important among the towns of Judah.
A ruler will come out of you.
    He will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’” (Micah 5:2)

Then Herod called for the Wise Men secretly. He found out from them exactly when the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem. He said, “Go! Make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, bring me a report. Then I can go and worship him too.”

After the Wise Men had listened to the king, they went on their way. The star they had seen when they were in the east went ahead of them. It finally stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.

The Wise Men went to the house. There they saw the child with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures. They gave him gold, incense and myrrh.

But God warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod. So they returned to their country on a different road.

Matthew 2:1-12 NIrV
 

Page Three

1.  Wise Men are _________.  Herod tried to trick them into giving away where Jesus was, but the Wise Men were warned in a dream to avoid the evil king.  This wisdom came from God, and our Bibles tell us that we can ask God for wisdom as well - we can all be like the Wise Men!
“If any of you need wisdom, ask God for it. He will give it to you. God gives freely to everyone. He doesn’t find fault.” James 1:5 NIrV

a.  patient             b. wealthy             c. wise

2.  Wise Men are ____________.  These men gave valuable gifts:  gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  It was used to take care of Jesus as he grew in wisdom and stature.  The first gifts of Christmas were from these men, starting a tradition we carry on to this day.

“We must remember the words of the Lord Jesus. He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35 NIrV
a.  enduring             b. generous                         c. traveling

3.         Wise Men still seek ____________.  Though they had money and position, they were still willing to follow the star to the King of kings.

" A child will be born to us.  A son will be given to us.  He will rule over us.
 And he will be called Wonderful Adviser and Mighty God.
He will also be called Father Who Lives Forever
and Prince Who Brings Peace.
a.  Christmas                         b. Jesus             c. Santa

Page Four

Notes/Stamp

Memory Verse:  “When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.” Matthew 2:10 NIrV

Page Five

“Shepherds”

   What would a Nativity Set be without the shepherds, keeping silent watch over their flocks by night?  There must have been something special about the shepherds, because God sent the angels to them first, to let them know about the birth of the King of kings.

      Perhaps the reason for this is because Jesus knows about being a shepherd.  He's been called the Great Shepherd himself, and we are his sheep.  God leads us, guides us and protects us, just as a good shepherd would His sheep.  No matter what happens, place your trust in Him, the Prince of Peace.  He'll lead you beside the still waters, even through the valley of the shadow of darkness.

      God chose the shepherds to tell about the good news of Jesus' birth, and not anyone who lived in royalty around that area.  This tells us one important thing:  it's not all about the outward appearance.  God looks at the heart, just as He did with another famous shepherd from Bethlehem.

      And these shepherds were excited, weren't they?  They told everyone!  Think about this for a moment:  these were the first people alive to start sharing the Good News about Jesus!  They were the first to follow His Great Commission - to go into all the world and share the gospel.  Over the centuries, many followed their example, telling the world about Jesus.

     As we place these shepherds in position on our Nativity Set, remember that God looks at the heart.  And remember to follow their example, telling the world about the miracle of God's greatest gift, Jesus.

Page Six

“Shepherds”

     There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby. It was night, and they were looking after their sheep.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them. And the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terrified.
     But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy. It is for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.  Here is how you will know I am telling you the truth. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”
     Suddenly a large group of angels from heaven also appeared. They were praising God. They said, “May glory be given to God in the highest heaven!
    And may peace be given to those he is pleased with on earth!”
     The angels left and went into heaven. Then the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem. Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
     So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby. The baby was lying in the manger.  After the shepherds had seen him, they told everyone. They reported what the angel had said about this child.  All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Luke 2:8-18 NIrV
 

Page Seven

1.  He is the Great ___________.  And we are His sheep.  God leads us, guides us and protects us, just as a good shepherd would His sheep.  No matter what happens, place your trust in Him, the Prince of Peace.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 NIrV

a.  Sheep             b. Stable             c. Shepherd

2.  He chose the ____________.  God chose simple men to tell about the good news of Jesus' birth, and not anyone who lived in royalty.  It's not all about the outward appearance.  God looks at the heart, just as He did with another famous shepherd from Bethlehem.

“There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby. It was night, and they were looking after their sheep. An angel of the Lord appeared to them. And the glory of the Lord shone around them.” Luke 2:8-9 NIrV
a.  Roman soldiers             b. shepherds                         c. Pharisees

3.         The shepherds told __________.  They were the first to follow Jesus' Great Commission - to go into all the world and share the Good News.  Over the centuries, many followed their example, telling the world about Jesus.  Will you?

"After the shepherds had seen him, they told everyone.” Luke 2:17 NIrV
a.  friends                         b. relatives             c. everyone

Page Eight

Notes/Stamp

Memory Verse:  “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy. It is for all the people.” Luke 2:10 NIrV

Page Nine

“Joseph”

     One of the most central figures in our Nativity Set is also a man we know very little about.  He was Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus.  He belongs there, right next to Mary, also marveling at the baby Jesus.

      Joseph was a carpenter.  This was only fitting, as carpenters build things.  The Bible tells us he was a godly man, and his story helped build the church.  He may have had just a small part of that building, but it was an incredibly important one.  Remember that it takes many different pieces to make a church, and each one is needed to make it bigger, better, and stronger.

      Joseph had compassion.  As we read his story, we see that he could have pointed an angry finger at Mary, but instead he showed love in the way that God does.  There is no condemnation in love, but only compassion, restoration, and hope.

      Joseph had obedience.  How important was Joseph to the church?  We read in the Bible that it was Joseph who was used by God to save Jesus from death.  Imagine being the one who saved the Savior!  Yet that is just what he did: Joseph was quick to obey when he was warned in a dream about Herod's evil plans.  He took his family to Egypt, until the danger had passed. 

     It goes without saying that obedience is important for a happier life, and a healthier life too.  But like Joseph, we must learn to have compassion too.  With Joseph, we remember an important thing about carpentry:  it takes every piece fitting together to build the church.

Page Ten

“Joseph”

     This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. His mother Mary and Joseph had promised to get married. But before they started to live together, it became clear that she was going to have a baby. She became pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Her husband Joseph was a godly man. He did not want to put her to shame in public. So he planned to divorce her quietly.
     But as Joseph was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary home as your wife. The baby inside her is from the Holy Spirit.  She is going to have a son. You must give him the name Jesus. That is because he will save his people from their sins.”
     All of this took place to bring about what the Lord had said would happen. He had said through the prophet, “The virgin is going to have a baby. She will give birth to a son. And he will be called Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) The name Immanuel means “God with us.”
     Joseph woke up. He did what the angel of the Lord commanded him to do. He took Mary home as his wife.

Matthew 1:18-24 NIrV

     When the Wise Men had left, Joseph had a dream. In the dream an angel of the Lord appeared to him. “Get up!” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you to come back. Herod is going to search for the child. He wants to kill him.”
     Joseph got up. During the night, he left for Egypt with the child and his mother Mary.

Matthew 2:13-14 NIrV

Page Eleven

1.  Joseph had ____________.  He was a carpenter, used to building things - and his story in history helped build the church.  He was just a small part of that building, but an incredibly important one.
“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” Matthew 13:35 NIrV

a.  passion             b. carpentry             c. sheep

2.  Joseph had __________.  He could have pointed a finger at Mary, but he showed love how God does.  There is no condemnation in love, but only compassion, restoration, and hope.

“Her husband Joseph was a godly man. He did not want to put her to shame in public.” Matthew 1:19 NIrV
a.  compassion            b. hope                         c. gifts

3.         Joseph had _________.  He was quick to obey when he was warned in a dream about Herod's evil plans.  Obedience is important for a happier life, and a healthier life too.

"Joseph got up. During the night, he left for Egypt with the child and his mother Mary.” Matthew 2:14 NIrV
a.  colorful robes                         b. friends             c. obedience

Page Twelve

Notes/Stamp

Memory Verse:  “Her husband Joseph was a godly man.” Matthew 1:19 NIrV

Page Thirteen

“Mary”

     She was blessed and highly favored, one of the most important figures in the Nativity Set.  As we place her in position inside the stable, we think back to that moment the angel Gabriel surprised her with the news that she would be the mother of Jesus.

     Mary was surprised, because she didn't think herself as important as others.  But God thought otherwise, and from that moment on, she knew people would call her blessed.  And although you may think yourself nothing - like Mary, you are so very important to God.  He loves and treasures you so much that He sent Jesus, the very reason we celebrate Christmas.

      Mary rejoiced!  From that moment on, she kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart.   It’s the same treasure that you have in your heart:  Jesus.  As this season approaches – and beyond – keep Him there.  Think about him over and over again, because that is what He does about you.

     As we look back on her story, we see that Mary was blessed and highly favored.  This is due to her great faith!  She didn’t have any details, but she trusted God fully.  Despite whatever happened in her future, she no doubt remembered the angel's words to her:  “Nothing is impossible with God.”

     It's still true today.  And we will discover that ourselves when we act more like Mary, with humility, with great faith, and with that secret treasure in our hearts. 

Page Fourteen

“Mary”

“In the sixth month after Elizabeth had become pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee.  He was sent to a virgin. The girl was engaged to a man named Joseph. He came from the family line of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel greeted her and said, “The Lord has given you special favor. He is with you.”

Mary was very upset because of his words. She wondered what kind of greeting this could be.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary. God is very pleased with you.  You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must name him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a king like his father David of long ago.  He will rule forever over his people, who came from Jacob’s family. His kingdom will never end.”

“How can this happen?” Mary asked the angel. “I am a virgin.”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come to you. The power of the Most High God will cover you. So the holy one that is born will be called the Son of God. Your relative Elizabeth is old. And even she is going to have a child. People thought she could not have children. But she has been pregnant for six months now.  Nothing is impossible with God.”

“I serve the Lord,” Mary answered. “May it happen to me just as you said it would.” Then the angel left her.

Page Fifteen

1.  He takes note of __________.  God sees you right where you are, and that’s good news!  Even though like Mary, you may think you’re not important – God thinks otherwise!

“He has taken note of me
 even though I am not important.
 From now on all people will call me blessed.” Luke 1:48 NIrV
a.  you             b. nothing                         c. camels

2.         You have a secret __________.  Mary kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart.   It’s the same treasure that you have in your heart:  Jesus.  As this season approaches – and beyond – keep Him there.  Think about him over and over again, because that is what He does about you. 

"But Mary kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart. She thought about them over and over.” Luke 2:19 NIrV
a.  pain             b. treasure             c. Santa

3.  Nothing is ________ with God.  Mary had great faith – she didn’t have any details, but she trusted God.  Remember what she was told by the angel:  “Nothing is impossible with God.” 
“I serve the Lord,” Mary answered. “May it happen to me just as you said it would.” Luke 1:38 NIrV

a.  happening             b. impossible             c. easy

Page Sixteen

Notes/Stamp

Memory Verse:  “But Mary kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart. She thought about them over and over.” Luke 2:19 NIrV

Page Seventeen

“Angels”

     They were visible to the shepherds, to Mary, and to the Wise Men and Joseph in a dream.  And each December, they are visible on our Nativity Set:  angels.  They watched over the Christmas story as it unfolded, but also played a big part in it!

     We sing the songs about angels each year:  "Angels we have heard on high.  Sweetly singing through the o’er the plain!"  The shepherds saw angels singing praises that night, but don't forget that is also our job too.  We have so much to praise the Lord for, not just at Christmas time, but all throughout the year!

     Another Christmas carol starts out like this: "Hark! The Herald angels sing!  Glory to the newborn king!"  These angels had a message to share.  In fact, Gabriel was a messenger angel with one of the most important messages ever told.  Yet consider this:  you’ve got that same message inside you.  For unto us a child is born!  It’s the best news possible, and we should be so filled with joy that we want to share it with the world!

      Do you remember these lyrics: "Oh, hear the angel voices!  Oh, night divine!"  They are from the song, "Oh Night Divine," a favorite this time of year.  And indeed, this was a miraculous night, one where we received the first and greatest gift of all:  Jesus.  Ours was a gift of salvation – a thrill of hope!  The weary world rejoices!

      As we put these angels in their proper place on the Nativity Set, remember that you also have a job to do:  deliver the message of Jesus, and sing praises to Him.  He is worthy.  Sing your song of praise to the King today, and why not make it a Christmas song!

Page Eighteen

“Angels”

“Suddenly a large group of angels from heaven also appeared. They were praising God. They said, ‘May glory be given to God in the highest heaven!
    And may peace be given to those he is pleased with on earth!’”

Luke 2:13-14 NIrV

Page Nineteen

1.  __________ we have heard on high.  Sweetly singing through the o’er the plain.  The angels sang praises, but that is also our job too.  We have so much to praise the Lord for, not just at Christmas time, but all year long!

“Suddenly a large group of angels from heaven also appeared. They were praising God.” Luke 2:13 NIrV
a.  Camels            b. Angels                         c. Mangers

2.  __________! The Herald angels sing!  Glory to the newborn king!  Gabriel was a messenger angel with one of the most important messages ever told.  You’ve got that same message inside you – share it with the world!
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy. It is for all the people.’” Luke 2:10 NIrV

a.  Hark!             b. Bark!             c. Shark!

3.         Oh, hear the angel voices!  Oh, night _________.  This was a miraculous night, one where we received the first and greatest gift of all:  Jesus.  Ours was a gift of salvation – a thrill of hope!  The weary world rejoices!

"But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary. God is very pleased with you. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must name him Jesus.’” Luke 1:30-31 NIrV
a.  divine                         b. shift             c. rider

Page Twenty

Notes/Stamp

Memory Verse:  “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 NIrV

Page Twenty-One

“Jesus”

    The last and most important piece we put in our Nativity Set is that of the baby Jesus.  Of all the pieces of this story, his is the one we must never forget, as he is the reason for the season!

     Nativity means a "birth," and when we think of the word, we cannot help but think of Jesus.  Christmas is a birthday, and yet how ironic it is that it was us that was given the ultimate gift on this day.  We have been given the perfect gift!  We certainly didn’t deserve it, but God gave us the greatest Christmas gift ever given:  salvation.

     But what can we give in return?  It’s his birthday we’re celebrating, so it only makes sense that we give him something.  But what can you give the King of kings for a birthday present?

     The answer is simple.  All God wants is your heart. He wants you to share the Good News, share loving kindness with one another, and share all the shining gifts that make peace on earth.

     With Jesus in place, our Nativity Set is complete now.  Yes, everything is in place with Jesus at the center.  And that's just the way it should be in all of our lives.  Merry Christmas!

Page Twenty-Two

“Jesus”

     “For unto us a Child is born,
unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

     Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
to order it and establish it with judgment and justice
from that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV

“The Lord himself will give you a miraculous sign. The virgin is going to have a baby. She will give birth to a son. And he will be called Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 NIrV

Page Twenty-Three

1. We have been given the perfect _________. We certainly didn’t deserve it, but God gave us the greatest Christmas gift ever given.
“Let us give thanks to God for his gift. It is so great that no one can tell how wonderful it really is!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 NIrV
a. stocking             b. gift             c. excuse

2. What does ________ want for His birthday? It’s his birthday we’re celebrating. Let us ask ourselves what He would wish for most. He has given us so much – but have we asked Jesus what he would like for his birthday?

“A child will be born to us.
 A son will be given to us.
 He will rule over us.
And he will be called
Wonderful Adviser and Mighty God.
He will also be called Father Who Lives Forever
and Prince Who Brings Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIrV
a. Jesus             b. Santa             c. Ole

3. You can give the perfect _______. All God wants is your heart. He wants you to share the Good news, share loving kindness with one another, and share all the shining gifts that make peace on earth.

“You should each give what you have decided in your heart to give. You shouldn’t give if you don’t want to. You shouldn’t give because you are forced to. God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIrV

a. grade             b. throw             c. gift

Page Twenty-Four

Notes/Stamp

Memory Verse:  “She is going to have a son. You must give him the name Jesus. That is because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NIrV