The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem- Mary of Nazareth

It is one of western civilization’s best-known stories. For two thousand years it has been told and retold, preached and sung about. It has been represented by the titans of art and by the purveyors of mass-produced lawn figures. We celebrate it every year with Christmas trees and lights, with gifts and cards, carols and hymns.

Even if you did not go to church growing up, you’re probably familiar with the story. You know the locale—a manger in Bethlehem. You know the cast of characters—Mary and Joseph, the angels and shepherds, the wise men and King Herod. You may know plot details—the census, the long journey, the overcrowded inn.

And yet, as is often the case, the story’s very familiarity may keep us from fully grasping its riches. We think, “Well, yes, I know that story,” as its depth and nuance escape us.

There is much more to the Christmas story than meets the eye. There are details we may have missed entirely. And there are certainly a few places where the picture you have in your mind’s eye is actually wrong!

Based on the book of the same title by Adam Hamilton, we will explore the story of Jesus’ birth with fresh eyes and ears. We will walk through the Holy Land and retrace the steps of those involved. We will draw upon insights gained from historians, archaeologists, biblical scholars, and theologians and from walking in the places the story occurred, all in an effort to discover the real meaning of Christmas.

In seeking that meaning, we will address four questions:

—What actually happened leading up to and including the first Christmas?

—What does the story teach us about the character of God?

—What does it tell us about the child whose birth we celebrate?

—What does this story mean for our lives today?

Join us this Advent season beginning November 28 for The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem.

All Was Not Calm: The Power of Serving

This Christmas will feel different than others.

We will celebrate during the darkness of a pandemic, often at a distance from those we love. It may feel even more painful because of the “warm and fuzzy” feelings we have toward Christmas, an idyllic view of a perfect day of light and inspiration, like the lyrics of “Silent Night.”

But that’s not what the first Christmas was like.

The real Christmas story tells us that it was not a silent night and all was not calm. Jesus was born into a dark, noisy world, a world ruled by dictators, with fear of disease, and increasing hatred for those perceived as different in any way.

When the Christmas story speaks of light shining into the darkness, we now know what that darkness feels like. The first Christmas was just like this one. The world into which Jesus was born was just like ours. So, in 2020, the real Christmas story means more now than ever.

This Advent,  join us for “All Was Not Calm.”

Your Christmas Story – The Journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem

As you look back over your life, what are the major stories you could tell? What are the main themes and plots? What are character studies you could observe about yourself? How is the story of your life unfolding now?

This Advent, we will read the familiar Christmas story through a new lens, your life.

Find yourself in the Christmas story… Your Christmas Story.

Your Christmas Story | Mary of Nazareth

As you look back over your life, what are the major stories you could tell? What are the main themes and plots? What are character studies you could observe about yourself? How is the story of your life unfolding now?

This Advent, we will read the familiar Christmas story through a new lens, your life.

Find yourself in the Christmas story.

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