teacher guide - ibclr€¦ · sunday school teacher guide 4 teacher guide how to use this tool...

S U N D A Y S C H O O L | 4 W E E K S

T E A C H E R G U I D E

Dr. Daniel Hinton, author

S U N D A Y S C H O O L | 4 W E E K S

T E A C H E R G U I D E

a letter from Ste ven W. Sm it h , Ph D

CHRIST IS BORN

Together, we are going to open up the word of God and think about Jesus. Jesus is the destination of Scripture. All things lead up to His exaltation. Throughout the Bible, Jesus is the main subject, which directs Scripture toward the culmination of the plan of God that He alone executes.

Jesus is also the most immediate aspect of Scripture. Meaning, while Scripture does many things, the immediate function is to lead us to Christ. This is because in Christ we see the Father. Since God has no greater gift to give us than His presence and Christ is the portal to the presence of God, then what better person can we fixate on than the one who gets us to the Father?

During Christmas, I want to leverage the season with my family to teach them about the incarnation and the atonement. These are two critically important doctrines to our faith. They are mind blowing doctrines. But here’s the thing, we already sing about them in our Christmas carols! So, during this series, as a church we will think deeply about what we are singing. Music is portable theology, and we have a rich tradition of singing this theology more precisely at Christmas than any other time of the year.

We will sing a hymn with each text in each sermon that reinforces the theology of the text. If we do it right, we will never sing the hymn the same way again.

Each Sunday during these weeks, we are going to think about Jesus through text, topics and hymns:

• Hark the Herald Angels Sing | Philippians 2:1-11

• The First Noel | 1 John & Romans

• Joy to the World | Colossians 1:15-17, Ephesians 1:19-23 & Revelation 19:11-16

• O Holy Night | Luke 2:8-14 & Luke 1:46-49

As your family gathers to think about Christmas, my prayer is that this will help you accomplish the goals of fixating on Christ during Christmas.

May you have a Merry Christmas and May Christ be Exalted,

For the Kingdom,

Steven Smith, Senior Pastor

S U N D A Y S C H O O L T E A C H E R G U I D E

4 Teacher GuideHow to Use This Tool (Learn the best way to use this study in a Sunday School classroom setting.)

5 Historical Context This one-page guide highlights the historical context for the birth of Jesus.

5 Literary Context Understand the big picture of the birth of Jesus.

6 Redemptive Context

Reference Guide (This one-page chart most thoroughly describes the birth of Jesus within salvation history. It is important to remind students throughout the study of Jesus' connection to the other Old and New Testament books.)

8LESSON 1: Hark the Herald Angels Sing

December 1

18LESSON 2: The First Noel

December 8

30 LESSON 3: Joy to the World December 15

40 LESSON 4: O Holy Night December 22

6 CHRIST IS BORN Teacher Guide | Christmas 2019

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

T E AC H E R G U I D E H OW TO U S E T H I S TO O L

STA RT H E R E (5 Minutes)

Recount the story of the hymn or play a version of the hymn in class.

R E A D T H E T E X T (2-5 Minutes)

Read the text. Keep students engaged by asking volunteers to read portions or have each student read one verse or paragraph until the entire text is completed.

R E V I E W T H E T E X T (15-20 Minutes or 25-30 Minutes)

Take time to unpack the text.

CONTEXT - Historical background is provided to help understand the passage.

CONTENT - Concise observations and expert commentary are provided in order to help students understand the meaning of the passage. In this Bible Study section, teachers may choose the amount of information they’d like to cover using one of two routes.

• OPTION 1 TAKE THE DIRECT ROUTE - Follow the black text on the left side of the page for the simplest, most direct content. This option is great for discussion-based teachers. To allow more time for discussion, the direct route Review the Text section should take 15-20 minutes.

• OPTION 2 TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE - Bulleted beneath the main text, you will find a gold arrow signaling additional commentary and content for those teachers focused more on lecture. Teachers who take the scenic route can expect the Review the Text section to take about 25-30 minutes.

CONCLUSION - Summary statements explain the main ideas of each passage.

DISCIPLING THROUGH THE CHRISTMAS SEASON - Three practical reminders to share with those you are discipling along with relevant biblical references.

R E F L EC T O N T H E T E X T (5-10 Minutes)

In hopes of allowing students to reflect personally on the message of the text, and to allow for deeper relational ties important to discipleship, three questions will be provided to stimulate discussion in the class.

R E S P O N D TO T H E T E X T (5 Minutes)

While many students are accustomed to receiving uplifting, useful information in Sunday School, it is critical to allow time and space for students to open their hearts to absorb the truths presented and begin to apply them in their lives. These short exercises are intended to graciously nudge students toward personalizing the messages of the text and move toward Christ-likeness in application. During this Christmas series, give students time each week to complete the “Theology in the Christmas Hymns” Quiz.

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Teacher Guide | ibclr.org CHRIST IS BORN 7

Table

H I STO R I C A L C O N T E X T R E F E R E N C E G U I D E

I N T R O D U C T I O N & C O N T E X TINTRODUCTION & CONTEXT

• The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) collectively represent the story of the life of Jesus Christ. The Gospels are written through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by four different authors, from four different perspectives, to four different audiences. Though content in the four Gospels varies, the four accounts complement one another to provide a robust and compelling portrait of Jesus.

• Since the apostle Paul is credited with writing a significant portion of the New Testament, much of his writing explains in further detail, the teachings of Christ, theology for the church, and life as New Testament followers of Jesus. When studying the birth of Jesus, it’s important to examine not only the Gospels but the rest of the New Testament as well. The uniqueness of the epistles of course, is that they are written after Christ’s ascension.

• While this is sometimes debated, the majority of New Testament scholars place Jesus’ birth in 4 B.C. or before. This is because most date the death of King Herod the Great to 4 B.C. Since Herod played a major role in the narrative of Jesus’ birth (see Matthew 2), Jesus would have had to be born before Herod died.1

• When the empire of Alexander the Great was divided up, Palestine was first ruled by the Ptolemies of Egypt but then was taken by the Seleucids, who ruled from Syria. And although the Jews welcomed this change at first, the Hellenizing influence and religious persecution that these Seleucid rulers brought led to the wars that eventually won the Jews their independence. The account of the events leading up to and following these Jewish revolts are significant for our understanding of the religious life and leadership in Israel in the time of Jesus. It was a time of conflict and chaos, both on the political and religious scene. It was a time when foreign rulers influenced Jewish religion, even taking the authority to appoint the High Priests in Jerusalem; and subsequently, it was a time when the Jews' political leaders took that office to themselves. Out of these and other religious issues came the major Jewish sects. 2

L I T E RA RY C O N T E X T R E F E R E N C E G U I D E

T RAC I N G T H E M E S SAG EI. THEMES FROM THE BIRTH OF JESUS

a. Prophecy- Jesus as the predicted Messiahb. Lineage & Names- the importance of Jesus’ family heritagec. Virgin Birth- Jesus’ conception through the Holy Spiritd. Angels & Dreams- their significant role during the birth of Jesuse. Soteriology- the theology of salvation through Christ

f. Christology- the theology of the nature of Christ


II. BASIC DIFFERENCE OF THE GOSPEL ACCOUNTS

II. PALESTINE IN THE TIME OF JESUS3

The Birth Story Matthew & Luke

Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-20

Growing Up Matthew & Luke

Matthew 2:1-23, Luke 2:21-52

Baptism Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John

Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:29-34

SYRIA

PHOENICIA

SAMARIA

JUDEA

DECAPOLIS

IDUMEA

Tyre

Damascus

Samaria

Sea of Galilee

DeadSea

Jord

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iver

Ashkelon

Jerusalem

NABATEA

PEREA

Bethlehem

GALILEE

PALE

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MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Sidon

Caesarea Philippi

Ptolemais

HebronGaza

Beersheba

Masada

Machaerus

Philadelphia

Qumran

Jericho

Azotus

Joppa

Lydda

Arimathea

Antipatris

Ephraim

Sychar

Gerasa

Gadara

ScythopolisCaesarea

Nain

Gergesa

Bethsaida

Cana

SepphorisNazareth

Tiberias

MagdalaGennesaret

Capernaum

En Gedi

ZoarMampsis

Raphia

Bethany

EmmausJamnia

Shechem

Gedora

Pella

Zarephath

TRACHONITIS

Mt. Hermon

Mt. Gerizim

Mt. Olives

Mt. Tabor

Korazin

Elusa

Abilene

Seleucia

Naveh

Dium


III. REDEMPTIVE CONTEXT: REFERENCE GUIDE

THE BIRTH OF JESUS IN REDEMPTIVE CONTEXT

“Too many times, we think of the gospel as a story that jumps from the garden of Eden (we’ve all sinned) right to the cross (but Jesus fixes everything). On its own, that works fine in communicating the systematic points of our need for salvation and God’s provision in Christ, but from a biblical and theological perspective, it doesn’t do justice to what’s actually in the text. Once a person becomes a Christian and cracks the Bible, they’re going to wonder what the big deal is about Israel and the covenant, since that storyline takes up roughly 75% of the Bible. Getting people into that story is important. As D. A. Carson says, the announcement is incoherent without it…

…We need the biblical storyline in order to understand the gospel of Jesus. Otherwise, sharing the gospel of Christ’s death and resurrection is like coming into a movie theater at the most climactic moment but without any knowledge of the story thus far. You will be able to discern bits and pieces of the story, but you won’t understand the full significance of what is happening unless you know the backstory.”4

SOURCES1 https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/jesus-historical-jesus/when-was-jesus-born-bc-or-ad/

2 https://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-and-historical-setting 3 Mark Barry, 2011. https://visualunit.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/gospel_map2.pdf

4 Wax, Trevin. http://www.lifeway.com/pastors/2014/01/28/four-reasons-to-preach-the-bible-as-one-story


l STA RT H E R E (5 Minutes)

Tell the story of how the Christmas hymn came to be or show a clip of a performance of the song.

TELL THE HYMN STORYCharles Wesley’s hymn of ten stanzas of four lines each, published in 1739, originally began with, “Hark, how all the welkin [heaven/sky] rings.” In 1753, George Whitefield altered that line to “Hark! The herald angels sing,” and his first line and title have been used ever since.” It has since gone through many revisions, presumably much to the posthumous chagrin of Wesley, who asked that people only “add the true reading in the margin, or at the bottom of the page, that we may no longer be accountable either for the nonsense or for the doggerel of other men” (Lutheran Hymnal Handbook). There are many differences in word choice or arrangement of lines and phrases. For example, the Episcopal Hymnal switched what is commonly the first and second half of verse three around, so that the stanza begins, “Mild he lays his glory by….” Other alterations include changing archaic or gender exclusive language.

The pairing of this tune with Wesley’s text is almost comical. MENDELSSOHN comes from Felix Mendelssohn’s Festgesang. Mendelssohn actually wrote that the tune would “never do to sacred words,” arguing instead that “there must be a national and merry subject found out, something to which the soldier-like and boxom motion of the piece has some relation, and the words must

D EC E M B E R 1

PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11


R E A D • R E V I E W • R E F L E C T • R E S P O N D L E S S O N 1

express something gay and popular as the music tries to do” (Lutheran Hymnal Handbook). Taking absolutely no heed of those words, William Cummings adapted the tune to fit Wesley’s text in 1856. A popular descant and harmonization were later composed by Sir David Willcocks. Most arrangements are very similar – brass or strings as an accompaniment (or a majestic organ or piano). One possibility to add even more interest is to use the melody underneath the “Glorias” from “Angels We Have Heard on High” as an interlude between verses.

This hymn by Charles Wesley was written within a year of Wesley’s conversion. Thus, as Albert Bailey writes, “the inspiration of his newly-made contact with God was still fresh” (The Gospel in Hymns, 100). Rather than simply tell the nativity story, Wesley pours theological truths into this text. The first verse tells the story of the angels proclaiming Christ’s birth, and the second and third verse go on to make it very clear why the angels sang. Simply by describing Christ, Wesley tells us the entire Gospel story. We are told of Christ’s nature, his birth and incarnation, his ministry, and his salvific purpose. The Psalter Hymnal Handbook describes the hymn like this: “A curious mixture of exclamation, exhortation, and theological reflection. The focus shifts rapidly from angels, to us, to nations. The text’s strength may not lie so much in any orderly sequence of thought but in its use of Scripture to teach its theology. That teaching surely produces in us a childlike response of faith; we too can sing ‘Glory to the newborn King!’”1

OR

SHOW A CLIP: Jeremy Camp, Hark the Herald Angels Sing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1_8l7eDqcw


See Teacher Guide (p.4) for ways to creatively read the text.

Today’s Text: PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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R E A D • R E V I E W • R E F L E C T • R E S P O N DL E S S O N 1

R E V I E W T H E T E X T

(The DIRECT Route 15-20 Minutes or The SCENIC Route 25-30 Minutes)

CONTEXT Historical Context- Philippians was written by the apostle Paul from prison in approximately 61-62 A.D. Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, who began a relationship with Paul during his second missionary journey (Acts 16-18).

Literary Context- Paul wrote four letters during his first imprisonment in Rome. “Philippians brims over with often quoted passages: “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6), “To live is Christ and to die is gain” (1:21), and “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (4:13) are just a few. But the portrait of Jesus Christ as a humble servant serves as the core of Paul’s teaching in this letter (2:5–11).”2

CONTENT

We begin our Christmas series this year with a classic Christian hymn, Hark the Herald Angels Sing. This hymn is saturated with biblical theology. In fact, we covered two specific lines from the hymn just one year ago. Today, in order to set the stage for the Christmas series, we will let one line of this hymn remind of us an important passage of Scripture and we’ll let that important passage of Scripture remind us of the panorama of Christ’s coming.

It is common during Christmas to focus on the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. The shepherds. The angels. The journey. The stable. The manger. But today we will zoom out and ask the questions: Where did Jesus come from? What was his nature? And where was he going next? Of course some of this was mysterious to those who first encountered Jesus. But with the help of the completed canon of Scripture, we can read the Christmas story with much more precision and much more breadth.

One of the great lines of this hymn is, “Mild he lays his glory by. Born than man no more may die.” It draws our attention to the fact that Jesus forsook something. He abandoned something. He sacrificed something. And then of course, that he did so in order to accomplish something.

Before we get into the text, let’s think about this for a moment.

Have you ever pondered this verse? What does it mean? Did Jesus lay his glory aside?

As you will quickly see, many questions arise. If Jesus left his glory in heaven, does that mean he left his Godliness in heaven? Did he morph from God to human? The best way to answer these questions and to free ourselves to sing this line as boldly and with as much gusto as the music seems to require, let’s look at Philippians chapter 2.

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Position 1: Pre-Incarnate

Before Jesus came to earth he was with God the Father and God the Spirit. They have eternally existed together as one God.

“though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped” (v6)

So when we envision Jesus before his earthly descent, remember that he is fully God.

Colossians says of Christ that “in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” (Col 2:9)

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (Jn 1:14)

Before Jesus came to earth, he was in a magnificent position. It was a position of glory and exaltation. And as God, he had every right to remain there. And no one and no force could compel him from this position.

But in an other-worldly demonstration of love, he laid down his position.

Position 2: Incarnation

When Jesus came to earth, he took on human flesh.

...but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men (v7)

For years, theologians have wrestled with what exactly occurred here. Jesus emptied himself. Emptied himself of what? And at the same time he empties himself, he takes on a new form. He becomes a man. He looks like a man. He has a body like a man. He is born of a woman.

This is where Charles Wesley gets the line, “mild he lays his glory by.” Wesley suggests, at least in a sense, that what Jesus is laying aside is glory.

If he lays aside his glory, is he laying aside his divinity? Does Jesus change from God to man here?

First, remember that Jesus said “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30) Even after his coming, Jesus was fully God, one with the Father and the Spirit.

Second, remember back to the beginning of our Hebrews series. “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things...” (Hebrews 2:14) So Jesus did not shed his divinity. He maintained his divinity and took on flesh. He was fully God and fully man.

“Christ concealed his glory so that the Father would be revealed at the right time.” - Dr. Steven W. Smith

THE IDEA: No. He is fully

God and fully man. The explanation continues below.


THE IDEA: Theologians have speculated about this for years, so handle this with

humility.


So what changed? What did Jesus lay aside? What did he empty himself of?

Jesus laid down his glorious position. To be sure, he was, in his divine nature, no less glorious when he came to earth, but he voluntarily subjected himself to a position of less glory. He subjected himself to human flesh, human pain. Theologians suggest that, in some sense, he limited himself. Being fully God, he was not innately limited. And yet, he limited himself by subjecting himself to even basic things like needing sleep, needing food, etc.

In the high priestly prayer, Jesus even alludes to this less-than-glorious position. “Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.” (John 17:5)

Now, when you look at the nativity scene and your eyes are drawn to the manger, remember what had just taken place. God took on flesh. He removed himself from his glorious position and, carrying with him all of his divine nature, became a human being. Jesus had full divinity. He had full humanity. And he had humbled himself to the less glorious position of a servant.

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT WE UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE?

(BOCK, WALLACE, & MOHLER)

"Jesusanity" is a coined term for the alternative story about Jesus. Here the center of the story is still Jesus, but Jesus as either a prophet or a teacher of religious wisdom. In Jesusanity, Jesus remains very much Jesus of Nazareth. He points the way to God and leads people into a journey with God. His role is primarily one of teacher, guide, and example. Jesus' special status involves his insight into the human condition and the enlightenment he brings to it. There is no enthronement of Jesus at God's side, only the power of his teaching and example. In this story, the key is that Jesus inspires others, but there is no throne for him. He is one among many – the best, perhaps, and one worthy to learn from and follow.

Biblical Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine. Thus, Jesus does not need to be "humanized." As the Apostle Paul taught in Philippians 2:5-11, Jesus humbled Himself to take on full and authentic humanity. So, the real issue in Jesusanity is not humanizing Jesus, but denying His deity. Christianity and Jesusanity tell two different stories and represent two very different faiths.3



Position 3: Humiliation

Jesus’ humble journey to save the world did not end at his emptying himself and becoming human. According to Philippians 2, Jesus went further, beyond the incarnation and to total humiliation.

...he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (v8)

During this Christmas season, may we not forget what Jesus came to accomplish.

Does Christmas time bring feelings of peace and comfort for you? Stillness and joy?

Look at verse 8. Jesus was obedient. Jesus was carrying forth the will of his Father. No one takes Jesus’ life from him. He lays it down willingly. Even at the point of maximum earthly pain and sorrow, he endured.

Before we observe Christ’s final position in the text, let’s remember the positional journey of Christ to this point. He left his high position to take on flesh, to identify with us. Mild he lays his glory by. After humbling himself and appearing as a man, a servant, he humbled himself to the humiliating position of death on a cross. May we not forget that Jesus had also placed himself in the position of substitute. So not only did he humble himself to death on a cross, he humbled himself to the position of one who is condemned. Humans were the sinners. Humans had broken God’s law. Humans deserved the punishment. Humans were destined for God’s punishment. Humans stood hopeless. Jesus took the place of sinners. Jesus took the place of every law breaker. Jesus took the punishment. And he did it uncoerced.

Carrying all the divinity of his nature with him, he went to the depths. He emptied himself of his glorious position to take a glory-less position on the cross. On this side of human history, we know, however, that God will use this humble position to bring maximum glory to Himself.

Position 4: Exaltation

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (v9-11)

After the death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus returned to the Father to take his place at his right hand. Jesus’ name is the name that is above every name. God the Father sent Jesus the Son to carry forth his rescue mission. It involved Jesus laying down his glorious position for one of humiliation. And God the Father exalted God the Son. This is the journey of Christ to remember this Christmas season.

THE IDEA: We sometimes

forget in the feel-good moments of the season that in order to usher in the true peace of God, a death was

required.

“He did not consider Himself above the sacrifice required of Him, instead He looked to the joy that was set before Him—our salvation (Heb. 12:2). He despised the shame of the cross, knowing that it was only a temporary affliction that would lead to glory.” -Courtney Reissig



CONCLUSION

Jesus, God the Son, descended from his position of glory to take on human flesh, bear the punishment for the sins of man by dying on a cross, rose from the dead, and reigns supreme, given the name that is above every name.

Discipling Through the Christmas Season

(1) Remind them of Jesus’ divinity. Often times, people inadvertently see the birth of Jesus as God becoming like humans in every way. We must remind those we are discipling that Jesus did not sacrifice his divinity by taking on flesh. He was not born with a sin nature. Jesus was fully God and fully man.

a. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

b. I and the Father are one. (John 10:30)

c. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily. (Colossians 2:9)

(2) Remind them of the voluntary nature of Jesus’ descension. Pause and help your disciples see just what Jesus sacrificed, just what he endured to save the world. Remind them that the Jews didn’t ultimately take Jesus’ life. Remind them that the Romans didn’t ultimately take Jesus’ life. Remind them that Jesus laid his life down willingly.

a. Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things... (Hebrews 2:14)

b. ...but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:7)

c. “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42)

(3) Remind them of the seemingly small and obviously significant things Jesus subjected himself to by obeying the will of the Father. While the dual nature of Christ remains a mystery, we can infer that Jesus’ body (which he willfully took on) introduced certain dimensions of pain, suffering, and discomfort he did not experience before. Remind those you’re discipling that all the earthly pain and discomfort paled in comparison to the ultimate subjection: taking on the punishment of God for the sins of the world.

a. ...in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. (Romans 3:24-25)

b. Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. (John 4:6)

c. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. (Matthew 4:2)

“In the Christian story God descends to reascend. He comes down; down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity; down further still, if embryologists are right, to recapitulate in the womb ancient and pre-human phases of life; down to the very roots and seabed of the Nature He has created. But He goes down to come up again and bring the whole ruined world up with Him.” -C.S. Lewis




The purpose of discussion questions is to (a) allow the teacher a way to gauge the level of comprehension and (b) allow students to develop bonds around spiritual truth.

Let’s take a quick poll. How many of you know the line “mild he lays his glory by” from memory? When it comes up in the hymn during Christmas time you sing it easily because the line is recognizable? Have you ever given thought to what this means? Is your singing of this hymn enhanced as a result of our study today? How so?

We’ve looked at some deep theology today. How would you explain it simply to a child who leans over to you during worship and says, “What does it mean he laid his glory by?” How can you communicate it in a way that doesn’t suggest Jesus lost his divinity?

How does Jesus’ path to the cross (and ultimate exaltation) mirror life as a believer? After all, remember that the entire journey of Christ described in Philippians 2 is meant to beckon believers to “have this same attitude.” Make it personal. How does your life mimic the life of Christ? Are you looking to be exalted? Are you following Christ’s servanthood?

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The purpose of these short activities is to encourage students to personalize the truth and begin to develop an application in their lives.

THEOLOGY IN THE CHRISTMAS HYMNS QUIZ

THE VIRGIN BIRTH

Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, escaping the imputation of sin, and coming as the lawful predicted Messiah.

Circle any lyrics below which feature the Virgin Birth.

INCARNATION

Jesus Christ, fully God, took on human flesh and was born of a virgin

Underline any lyrics below which remind us of the incarnation.

SALVATION

Salvation is offered freely by God’s grace and through faith, because of the redemption bought by Christ Jesus in his death, burial, and resurrection.

Place a box around any lyrics below which feature the doctrine of salvation.

[Verse 1]Hark! the herald angels singGlory to the newborn KingPeace on earth, and mercy mildGod and sinners reconciledJoyful, all ye nations, riseJoin the triumph of the skiesWith th' angelic host proclaimChrist is born in BethlehemHark, the herald angels singGlory to the newborn King

[Verse 2]Christ by highest heav'n adoredChrist the everlasting Lord!Late in time behold Him comeOffspring of a Virgin's wombVeiled in flesh the Godhead see

Hail the incarnate DeityPleased as man with man to dwellJesus, our EmmanuelHark! The herald angels sing"Glory to the newborn King!"

[Verse 3]Hail, the heav'n-born Prince of peaceHail! the Son of RighteousnessLight and life to all he bringsRisen with healing in his wingsMild he lays his glory byBorn that man no more may dieBorn to raise the some of earthBorn to give them second birthHark! the herald angels singGlory to the newborn King


SOURCES1 https://hymnary.org/text/hark_the_herald_angels_sing_glory_to?tab=about 2 https://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-pauline-epistles/philippians3 This discussion comes from an article from AlbertMohler.com in which Dr. Mohler uses Dr. Bock and Dr.

Wallace’s work Dethroning Jesus to illustrate a point. https://albertmohler.com/2008/01/18/christianity-vs-jesusanity-the-postmodern-temptation

HOME 22:6SING | Hark the Herald Angels Sing

READ | “He’s Here” in the Jesus Storybook Bible

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2y2FJqsv_8

PRAY | Pray that God would give your family a deeper sense of the magnitude of Christ’s birth this Christmas season.





TELL THE HYMN STORY. Noel is the French word for Christmas. The French word is from the Latin word natalis, meaning birthday.

The song is a narrative of the birth of Christ. The First Nowell is a traditional classical English carol. Researchers believe the song was written in the 18th Century and is of Cornish origin. The song was first published in 1823 “Carols Ancient and Modern” and a decade later in “Gilbert and Sandys Carols.” Both of these volumes were edited by William B. Sandys.

Most arrangements sung today are by the English Composer John Stainer. His version was first published in the “Carols, New and Old of 1871.”

The First Noel has an English folk melody, with one musical phrase repeated twice, followed by a refrain that is a variation of that phrase.1

OR

Show a Clip: Phil Wickham, The First Noelhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jxaOPhBmxQ

D EC E M B E R 8

1 JOHN & ROMANS


R E A D • R E V I E W • R E F L E C T • R E S P O N D



Today’s Text: 1 John 2:2He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Romans 3:23-26For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.



1 John:As he did in his gospel, John stated with clarity the purpose of his first letter. He proclaimed the good news about Jesus to the recipients of this letter, saying “so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). Later, John added “so that you may not sin” (2:1) and “so that you may know that you have eternal life” (5:13). John wanted his readers to experience true fellowship with God and with God’s people. But he knew that would not happen until the Christians set aside their own selfish desires in favor of the pursuits God had for them.2

Romans:Paul showed how human beings lack God’s righteousness because of our sin (1–3), receive God’s righteousness when God justifies us by faith (4–5), demonstrate God’s righteousness by being transformed from rebels to followers (6–8), confirm His righteousness when God saves the Jews (9–11), and apply His righteousness in practical ways throughout our lives (12–16).3

CONTENTIn our previous lesson we looked at Jesus’ nature. We looked at how he did not compromise his divinity when he took on flesh and came to earth. Today, we will carry the conversation further by asking, “What was Jesus’ role?”

Week 1 His Nature: His Glory, Laid Aside “Mild He Laid His Glory By”Week 2: His Blood, Sacrificially Shed “And with his blood mankind has bought”

One of the classic hymns of Christmas is the song The First Noel. Recite back to yourself that final triumphant verse of the song.

w

L E S S O N 2

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Then let us all with one accordSing praises to our heavenly LordThat hath made Heaven and earth of noughtAnd with his blood mankind has bought.Noel, Noel, Noel, NoelBorn is the King of Israel!

Look at all the wonderous reminders of our faith that are present here.

Let Us AllWith One

Accord

That HaveMade Heavenand Earth of

Nought

SingPraises to Our

HeavenlyLord

And WithHis Blood

Mankind HasBought

Followers of Jesus are united in their response to the greatness and

majesty of their King.

For in one Spirit we were all

baptized into one body- Jews or

Greeks, slaves or free--and all were made to drink of

one Spirit.(1 Cor 12:13)

Jesus is to beworshipped for he created all things in heaven and on

earth.

He is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things

were created, in heaven and

on earth, visible and invisible,

whether thrones or dominions or rulers or

authorities—all things were

created through him and for him.

(Col 1:15-16)

Jesus is seated at the right hand of

the Father, exalted with the name above every name. And the church responds in

worship.

All things came into being through

Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being

that has come into being. (Jn 1:3)

Jesus carried out the will of the

Father by laying down his own

life as a sufficient atonement for the sins of the world .

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness

of God .(2 Cor 5:21)



The last line gives us our focus for today. What was Jesus’ mission on earth? He came to rescue the world. He came to reconcile the world to Himself. But this rescue plan would require the payment of a ransom. It would be a ransom he would pay himself. In fact, he himself would become the ransom.

(1) Why Was a Payment Necessary?

With his blood mankind has bought.

Why was Jesus purchasing something to begin with?

Take a moment and remember back to Genesis. When Adam and Even were found guilty of eating from the forbidden tree, God’s sovereign punishment was to be certain death. (Gen 2:17) So in God’s grand redemptive plan, there was to be a punishment for sin. There was to be a penalty for breaking God’s commands. Fortunately for mankind, God, in his mercy made a way to spare them from death, at least immediate death. They would of course die a physical death later (Gen 5:5), but there was a spiritual death that occurred here in that they were separated from God. Finally, an animal was killed in that moment to provide covering for Adam and Eve. In all of these ways, God’s word remained true. There is a penalty for sin. That penalty is death. He said death would be a result. And it was.

This theme is carried through the Old Testament sacrificial system. Israel was instructed to offer animal sacrifices as an appeasement for sin. They deserved death. And yet, when they offered the pure and blameless animal in their place, God’s wrath was satisfied. His penalty had been (temporarily) paid.

Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—

Here is the resulting logical progression:

1. Sin separates humans from God.

2. The penalty for sin is death.

3. All people are sinful. (Rom. 3)

4. Therefore, all people are separated from God and deserve the penalty of death.

5. Salvation and reconciliation to God will require an ultimate death sacrifice.

Jesus’ payment was necessary because death is the necessary payment to satisfy the wrath of God. Jesus’ payment was necessary because death is the just punishment for sin.

“Jesus propitiates the wrath of God in his sacrifice, but the benefits of this propitiation become the believer’s when he comes into union with Christ through belief in the gospel.” - Russell Moore

“The cross is the lightning rod of grace that short-circuits God’s wrath to Christ so that only the light of His love remains for believers.” -A.W. Tozer



(2) What Payment Did Jesus Pay?

So what payment did Jesus actually make?

Jesus paid the penalty for sin. He took the punishment that was due every human.

• It would be hard to exaggerate the differences between the pagan and the Christian views of propitiation. In the pagan perspective, human beings try to placate their bad-tempered deities with their own paltry offerings. According to the Christian revelation, God’s own great love propitiated His own holy wrath through the gift of His own dear Son, who took our place, bore our sin and died our death. Thus God Himself gave Himself to save us from Himself.4

Isaiah 53:1-6Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground;he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities;upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way;and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

By His death on the Cross, Christ has become the Lamb that was slain for us, our Redeemer, the One who has made peace between us and God, who has taken our guilt on Himself, who has conquered our most deadly enemy and has assuaged the well-deserved wrath of God. -Mark Dever



Isaiah describes the coming Savior and his mission. He was despised. He was rejected. He was pierced for our sins. He was crushed for our sins. And all of our sins were laid upon him. In the Old Testament, the shedding of blood was required for the atonement for sin. As we learned in our Hebrews series this year, this sacrificial system was a mere shadow of the ultimate sacrifice that was coming in Jesus.

Hebrews 2:9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

Hebrews 9:11-1211 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.

(3) What Did Jesus Purchase?

Look at 2 Corinthians 5:18-2118 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Pay close attention to the last verse. In a sense, this verse answers all of today’s questions.

You can trace 2 Cor 5:21 on the right side of the chart.

“On the cross, Jesus was not just showing us God’s love. He was taking the place of our punishment. Jesus didn’t just die for us. He died instead of us.” -J.D. Greear

Why Was aPayment

Necessary?

We had afine we could

not pay."For our sake"

WhatPayment DidJesus Pay?

He laiddown his life,

taking thepunishment for our sin.

"he made him to be sin who knew no sin"

What DidJesus

Purchase?

He purchased our salvation by making

us presentable to God.

"so that inhim we mightbecome the

righteousness of God."



• Ultimate justice rests with God who promises to bring perfect justice (ultimately) into all situations. God’s justice is a reflection of His perfection. Thus, His justice always will be carried out perfectly. And this is where the warm hand of the Gospel intervenes, because His grace is also perfect. And, seeing our desperate need, grace condescends to us and redirects the wrath that was intended for us and places it on Christ. Guilt is transferred. This is what happens when perfect grace meets perfect justice. Both remain perfect, and we are cleared of the sentence we deserved.5

So what did Jesus’ payment purchase?

He purchased our salvation.

He purchased sinners out from the grip of sin.

He purchased sinners out from the sting of death.

He purchased sinners out from certain eternal separation from God.

Perhaps the lyrics of our popular Christmas song ring truer now. So, let us all with one accord…


CONCLUSIONTo the Lord who created the heavens and earth. To the Lord who purchased our salvation. Let us sing to him in one accord. Noel! Noel! Born is the King of Israel.


(1) Remind them to consider the words, the truth, the theology this Christmas season while listening to and singing Christmas songs. In every age of human history, a right understanding of God has been of utmost importance. Remind those you are discipling of how practically important it is (living in our specific day) to know what we believe about God. In a culture



that has been infiltrated by countless pseudo-spiritual, pseudo-Christian, pseudo-Gospel messages, we must train our hearts and minds to detect the truth. May we worship him in Spirit and in truth this Christmas season.

a. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Pet 3:18)

b. Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (Col 2:6-7)

c. What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. (1 Cor 14:15)

(2) Remind them of the idea of propitiation. This can be a misunderstood theological concept. Remind them that Jesus was not subject to the Roman authorities or the Jewish authorities. Remind those you disciple that Jesus laid down his life willingly. And he died to absorb the wrath that was due us. God’s justice was now satisfied because the just penalty had been paid by Christ. For on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied. (In Christ Alone, 2001)

a. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 Jn 2:2)

b. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. (Rom 3:22-25)

c. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. (Heb 2:17)

(3) Remind them how Jesus’ sacrifice was the only sufficient sacrifice to bring forth reconciliation to sinners. As we learned in our Hebrews series this year, the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament lacked the ultimate atoning power that would come in Christ. They were temporary. They provided momentary hope. They only addressed part of the problem. Christ’s sacrifice made way for full and eternal salvation. This gives way to assurance. And with assurance, fullness of hope.

a. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (1 Pet 2:24)

b. He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. (Heb 9:12)

c. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Cor 5:21)





We often separate Christmas from Easter. At Christmas time, we say we celebrate the birth of Christ. And at Easter we celebrate his death, burial, and resurrection. So what do you think? Is it possible to celebrate Christmas rightly, without a view of Easter? If we focus merely on the shepherds, the angels, Mary and Joseph… is it possible to under-celebrate Christmas in a sense?

Let’s talk for a moment about musical worship. Does anything change about the way you participate in musical worship during the Christmas season? There is something about the nostalgia associated with Christmas that seems to amplify these moments of musical worship. In fact, even non-believers or cultural Christians who attend church only around holidays seem to be emotionally charged while we sing these songs. Are these moments fuller, more satisfying for someone who knows the theology behind the words? How so?

Look at the lyrics to The First Noel on p. 27. You will notice that the first several verses tell the story of the birth of Christ. We are grateful that these first stanzas recognize Jesus as the King of Israel. Beyond this, the hymn mostly recounts the narrative. Were it not for the last verse, would you count this song as an important Christmas hymn? Why or why not? If you were on a worship team and the leader suggested we sing only the opening 3 verses, would you want to suggest rethinking that plan? Why or why not?

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s R E S P O N D TO T H E T E X T (5 Minutes)



CREATION

God, who is eternally existent in three persons, spoke the earth and all its contents into existence.

Circle any lyrics below which feature the doctrine of creation.

ATONEMENT

The redemption of man was secured by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the right and only just payment for the sins of the world.

Underline any lyrics below which feature the doctrine of atonement.

SALVATION


Place a box around any lyrics below which feature the doctrine of salvation.


The First Noel, the Angels did sayWas to certain poor shepherds in fields as they layIn fields where they lay keeping their sheepOn a cold winter's night that was so deep.Noel, Noel, Noel, NoelBorn is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a starShining in the East beyond them farAnd to the earth it gave great lightAnd so it continued both day and night.Noel, Noel, Noel, NoelBorn is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same starThree Wise men came from country farTo seek for a King was their intentAnd to follow the star wherever it went.Noel, Noel, Noel, NoelBorn is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwestO'er Bethlehem it took its restAnd there it did both Pause and stayRight o'er the place where Jesus lay.Noel, Noel, Noel, NoelBorn is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those Wise men threeFull reverently upon their kneeAnd offered there in His presenceTheir gold and myrrh and frankincense.Noel, Noel, Noel, NoelBorn is the King of Israel!


THE FIRST NOEL


HOME 22:6SING | The First Noel

READ | An Excerpt From an article on the birth of Christ.

Why did this baby King come? He came to save his people from their sins, and to bring them to God (Matthew 1:21–23). How do you respond to this Jesus? How do you respond to the baby wielding all power and authority before he’s even spoken a word, the baby whose birth stopped the stars? How do you respond to this unassuming answer to years of promise — little hands and ears and a nose in which infinite almighty God dwelt? Do you rejoice? Are you confused? Is it threatening? Maybe even offensive?

Make no mistake. If you follow this Star, your life will change. When we pursue Jesus and his light, he uncovers and confronts our sin, our selfishness, our resistance to him. But fear not! Through this King, by his death years later on the cross, we are saved from ourselves, and from death, into eternal life with him. Don’t miss the Star, and don’t fear its message. It brings the best news any of us has ever heard.6

PRAY | Sing The First Noel and focus in on that last verse. Read the line “And with his blood mankind has bought.” As a family, ask yourselves the three questions from today’s lesson.

Why Was a Payment Necessary?

What Payment Did Jesus Pay?

What Did Jesus Purchase?

Ask the children to thank God for sending Jesus, and thank Jesus for what he accomplished.



SOURCES1 http://dianaleaghmatthews.com/the-first-noel/#.XZOpT-dKiRs

2 https://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-general-epistles/first-john3 https://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-pauline-epistles/romans

4 God’s Good News for the World by John R.W. Stott, 19955 https://stevenwsmith.net/2013/09/cheap-justice/

6 https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-first-noel





TELL THE HYMN STORYThis favorite Christmas hymn is the result of a collaboration of at least three people and draws its initial inspiration not from the Christmas narrative in Luke 2, but from Psalm 98.

The first collaborator was the English poet and dissenting clergyman, Isaac Watts (1674-1748). He paraphrased the entire Psalm 98 in two parts, and it first appeared in his famous collection, The Psalms of David, Imitated in the Language of the New Testament (1719).

“Joy to the world” was taken from the second part of the paraphrase (Psalm 98:4-9), entitled “The Messiah’s Coming and Kingdom.” Watts, commenting on his paraphrase of the psalm, notes: “In these two hymns I have formed out of the 98th Psalm I have fully exprest what I esteem to be the first and chief Sense of the Holy Scriptures . . ..” For Watts, the psalms were not to be viewed as biblical material in their own right, but had value only inasmuch as they pointed toward the New Testament.

The second collaborator was an unwitting one, George Frederic Handel (1685-1759), the popular German-born composer residing in London. Though contemporaries in England, they did not collaborate on this hymn. Another pieced together portions of Handel’s Messiah to make up the

D EC E M B E R 1 5

COLOSSIANS 1:15-17EPHESIANS 1:19-23

REVELATION 19:11-16


tune that we sing in North America. The opening bars for the chorus, “Lift up your heads,” was adapted to the incipit “Joy to the world.” An instrumental portion of the opening tenor recitative, “Comfort ye,” provides a basis for the text “heaven and nature sing.” Such borrowings were common, the aesthetic notion being that the music of great musicians had in itself an innate beauty. Even a crude pastiche of “great music” implied that the result would also be of high quality.

The third collaborator who assured that this tune and text would appear together in the United States was the Boston music educator, Lowell Mason (1792-1872). It was Mason, a musician with significant influence in his day, who published his own arrangement of Handel’s melodic fragments in Occasional Psalms and Hymn Tunes (1836) and named the tune Antioch. While this is not the only tune to which Watts’s text is sung, it is certainly the dominant one. Actually, this tune remains virtually unknown in Great Britain.

When sung to Antioch, the text is repeated in the second section, reflecting a particular early American treatment of the melody called a “fuging tune.” A fuging tune was a compositional device initiated by American-born composer William Billings (1746-1800) where voice parts enter one after the other in rapid succession, usually repeating the same words.

The result of the fuging tune section is quite effective for the first stanza—“heaven and nature sing”—and the second stanza—“repeat the sounding joy”—and the fourth stanza, “wonders of his love” For the third stanza, with the text “far as the curse is found” echoing of Genesis 3:17-18 and Romans 5:20, the fuging compositional device seems a bit rollicking.

The result is a favorite Christmas hymn based on an Old Testament psalm, set to musical fragments composed in England, and pieced together across the Atlantic in the United States!1

OR

Show a Clip:

Joy to the World (Joyful, Joyful) (feat. Phil Wickham)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bSPH1kUrEk



Today’s Text: Colossians 1:15-1715 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Ephesians 1:19-2319 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the

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one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Revelation 19:11-1611 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.



CONTEXT Colossians

In this book, the apostle Paul described Jesus with some of the loftiest language in all the New Testament, focusing on Christ’s preeminence and sufficiency in all things. Paul presented Christ as the center of the universe, not only as the active Creator but also as the recipient of creation—in His taking on of human flesh. Christ was and is the visible image of the invisible God, containing within Himself the fullness of Deity (Colossians 2:9). Because of His divine nature, Jesus is sovereign, above all things with an authority given Him by the Father. As such, Jesus is also Head over the church. He has reconciled all things to Himself through His death on the cross, making believers alive to God and setting them on the path to right living. This proper view of Christ served as the antidote for the Colossian heresy as well as a building block for Christian life and doctrine both then and now.2

Ephesians

While Paul was not responding to a particular theological or moral problem, he wanted to protect against future problems by encouraging the Ephesians to mature in their faith. So after laying out profound theological truths in the first half of the book, Paul made his purpose clear: he expected that this community of faith would walk in accordance with its heavenly calling (Ephesians 4:1). As a result of the theological realities Christians accept by their faith in God, several practices should follow in their relationships within the church, in the home, and in the world.3

Revelation

For the bulk of its sixty-six books, the Bible portrays a world deep in the throes of suffering. Human beings have had a problem with sin since the fall in Genesis 3, and verse after verse has recorded our problem in painstaking detail. The brilliance of Revelation is that it provides a final answer to this problem, a hope that Jesus will once and for all heal the wounds wrought by sin (Revelation 19), reign for a thousand years on earth (Revelation 20), and then re-create the world

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into a place that represents God’s original design (Revelation 21–22). The Bible’s narrative is a simple one: creation, fall, re-creation. Without the completion of the redeeming work of Jesus recorded in Revelation, we wouldn’t have the end of the story, leaving our hope for the future in serious doubt.4

CONTENTJoy to the World is a bit different than some other Christmas hymns in that it doesn’t focus primarily on Christ’s birth. Look at the first line of these four verses. We are most familiar with the opening line. The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. But the author, Isaac Watts likely had far more in mind when composing these lyrics. The Lord is come. The Savior reigns. Verse three beckons a response from the worshipper. And finally, a glimpse toward Christ’s eternal reign. He rules the world with truth and grace.

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!Let earth receive her King;

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!Let men their songs employ;

No more let sins and sorrows grow,Nor thorns infest the ground;

He rules the world with truth and grace,And makes the nations prove

With this triumphant final verse in mind, “He Rules the World”… let’s look at how the Bible describes Christ’s rule and reign.

(1) The Creator King

In our first lesson in this series, we looked at Christ’s journey, his pathway from his position of highest glory and honor to his self sacrifice on the cross and to his ultimate exaltation to the right hand of the Father. We have suggested that it is important at Christmas time not to merely see Jesus as a baby, but to see him biblically.

Just what kind of king lies in the manger? He is the Creator King. He rules the world.

Colossians 1:15-17

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Jesus is the firstborn of creation. Paul uses this language not to suggest that Jesus was created (Jesus has eternally existed in three persons along with the Father and Spirit) but to demonstrate his position of highest rank. He stands over creation. He rules the world.

By him all things were created (v16). Through him all things were created (v16). For him all things were created (v16). He rules the world.

In him all things hold together. He oversees the world by holding everything in place. He sustains the world, keeping all things in sovereign balance according to his will. He rules the world.

Just what kind of king lies in the manger? He is the Creator King. He rules the world.

“Just as the grass is green outside whether or not you believe it, Jesus is Lord—the absolute authority, sovereign ruler, majestic king over your life—whether or not you believe it.” – David Platt



(2) The Seated King

The Bible also describes Jesus as the seated King, the King who has completed his mission.

Ephesians 1:19-23

19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Christ has been seated at the right hand of the Father, in the position of highest authority. He rules the world.

A PRAYER SCOTTY SMITH

Lord Jesus, today, like every day, somebody or something is going to seize the passion and preoccupation of my heart. Some entity will be the ruler of the manor and the fascination of my imagination.

It could be social media, or not-so-social politicians. It could be shame from the past or fear in the present, idle thoughts or idols of my heart. It could be overbearing people or aggravating co-workers, greed to have a little more or a “need” to be judged less. It might be the lusts of my flesh or the longings of my soul; a pet poodle or pet peeves… any of a number of things will clamor for the best of me.

But right now, in submission to Paul’s admonition, I choose your peace as the ruler of my heart… No one is better at giving peace than you, Jesus, for you are the Prince of Peace.5

Christ stands above all rule, authority, power, dominion and name not only in this age but for eternity. He rules the world.

All things are under the feet of Christ the seated King. He is the head over all things, and the head of his body, the church. “You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet…” (Psalm 8:6) He rules the world.

• The song we sing as “Joy to the World” is Isaac Watts’s rendering of Psalm 98, which is about the coming of the Lord. What becomes clear, in light of what we know about the first coming of Christ as a suffering servant, is that Psalm 98 is more about his second coming as triumphant king. When Jesus came the first time, earth did not receive her king but instead hung him on a cross. Even after his death and resurrection, sin and sorrow still grow, and the thorny effects of the curse remain. The nations do not yet prove the glories of his righteousness.6

Just what kind of King lies in the manger? He is a King who comes to save the world and take his place at the right hand of the Father. He is the seated King. He rules the world.

“Hope and joy at Christmas come from knowing that Christ’s life that began in a cradle ended on a cross. His death-conquering death was followed by resurrection, the first-fruits of all who will one day rise from their graves.” -Nancy Guthrie



(3) The Returning King

Revelation 19:11-16

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

You may have heard it said that the entire Bible is about Jesus. What pastors and theologians mean when they say this is that Jesus is the focal point of the grand story. All that leads up to Jesus in the OT points to Jesus and anticipates Jesus. Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection are the pinnacle of the story. And Jesus will ultimately return to make all things new.

• These final lines speak of how the nations will take an active role in revealing the glory of God. We know that all the nations of the earth are ultimately subject to God’s ever-sovereign hand. He is the one who gives authority, and he’s the one who takes it away. He uses every mistake, every poor decision, every war, every calamity, and every season of prosperity, all for his glory. But we have not yet seen the nations of this world intentionally seeking to prove the wonders and glories of our ultimate King. In fact, they often seek to defame the name of God. But he will not share his glory with another. The I Am is jealous for his name. Surely, there will be a day when we can say, “He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove” his glory. And that day will be wonderful.7

In Revelation, we are given a glimpse into the consummation of God’s plan. Jesus returns to rule. He returns to establish his earthly kingdom. The innocent lamb being lead to the slaughter rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. And the returning King comes in triumph on a white horse. With authority, he dispenses the punishment of God on the earth. The patience and mercy of the ruler of the world toward rebellious and sinful man has come to an end. The righteous judge comes in reckoning. He rules the world.

Jesus ruled. Jesus was seated as ruler. And Jesus returns as the righteous judge and ruler.

And so we are correct when we sing (even at Christmas time), He Rules the World!

CONCLUSIONIn creation, in redemption, and in consummation, Jesus rules the world.


(1) Remind them of the joy and the terror of Jesus’ second coming. Revelation 19 provides such a compelling picture of the return of Christ. For those who are in Christ, there is no fear in this moment. For, in fact, we are in Him. We are with Him. In our wicked state, we turned to Christ for salvation, acknowledging our sin and throwing ourselves at his mercy. Therefore, we are safe from the wrath of God. And yet, for those who refuse to bow before God and trust in His Son, the terrible day will come when God tarries no longer. The judgment of God on sinners is something we wish on no one. Remind those you disciple of the beauty and tragedy of that day.

“If you know the world has an end—and that it could be soon, it rearranges your priorities. It makes no sense to go around rearranging deck chairs if you’re on the sinking Titanic. And yet that’s what many of us are doing with our lives. We are so consumed by vacations, hobbies, possessions, and bucket lists, that our actions tell the world the end is not soon and the mission is not urgent.” -J.D. Greear



a. Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. (Revelation 1:7)

b. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. (2 Peter 3:10)

c. “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (John 14:1-3)

(2) Remind them about the nature of the kingdom. The second line of our famous hymn states “let earth receive her King.” This can be a bit confusing because the King came, the King died, the King rose again, and the King physically departed. Take this opportunity to remind those you’re discipling about the kingdom. Jesus’ coming to earth as a baby in a manger was only the beginning of the larger series of events which usher in his kingdom. He came. He accomplished the will of the Father by offering himself on the cross. He rose again. He ascended. And he’s coming back. Each of these is part of the establishment of God’s kingdom. So when we celebrate Christmas (and Easter) we remember that Jesus inaugurated his kingdom, but it is not fully established until the second coming. The kingdom is here, in part. And the kingdom is coming.

a. Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst … (Luke 17:20-21)

b. As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately (Luke 19:11)

c. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:23)

(3) Remind them of their mission in the in-between. Jesus’ birth should not only remind us that he had begun a critical part of his rescue plan but also that he gave his followers a mission to accomplish until he returns. Remind those you’re discipling of the WHY behind Jesus’ commissioning of his followers to make disciples. He sends out his followers to make other followers because he is coming back. In his patience, he tarries, wanting all to come to repentance. And so remind those you’re discipling to labor. We must labor with the end in mind.

a. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:44)

b. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

c. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the


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Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)



Make it personal. The Bible presents Jesus as the eternal ruler. Have you given him rule over your life? Can you identify a specific reason as to why it’s challenging to yield your life to Christ’s authority?

How does the rulership of Jesus inform your daily life? All things were created for him and by him. Does this change how we view the world? How we live within it? He is seated at the right hand of the Father, head over all things. How does our recognition of this as Christians change the way we live? Can you give an example of a way in which our recognition of Christ as ruler causes us to live differently from someone who doesn’t acknowledge Christ’s authority?

Is the main emotion you experience at Christmas time joy? Joy to the world. The Lord is come. Joy has come to the world because the Savior has arrived. Sin has an ultimate remedy. Humans have eternal hope. Jesus is making all things new. And yet, we still live with the effects of sin. What are we to make of the joyousness of Christmas? If you are someone who has experienced grief, regret, sadness during the Christmas season, how might you help someone who was struggling to find joy? Is there joy in the birth of Christ even amidst our suffering?






CHRISTOLOGY: TRANSCENDENCE

God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, one God eternally existent in three persons rules the world according to his power and authority.

Circle any lyrics below which remind us that Jesus, though feeble and human at birth is the ruler of the universe.

SIN

The breaking of God’s law or commands, the nature imputed to humankind through the first transgression of Adam.

Underline any lyrics below which mention sin or its consequences on earth.

LORDSHIP

Believers in Jesus have rightfully designated Christ the preeminent guide in life and the authority over the activities of their lives.

Place a box around any lyrics below which mention the Lordship of Christ in our lives.

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Joy to the World , the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found,

Far as the curse is found,

Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders, of His love.

JOY TO THE WORLD


SOURCES1 https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-joy-to-the-world

2 https://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-pauline-epistles/colossians

3 https://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-pauline-epistles/ephesians4 https://insight.org/resources/bible/the-apocalypse/revelation5 https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scotty-smith/will-rule-heart-today/

6 https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/can-we-sing-joy-to-the-world-when-were-grieving/

7 https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/joy-to-the-world-a-classic-christmas-hymn-reconsidered/8 https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/melissa-kruger/a-christmas-poem-come-to-the-manger-2/


HOME 22:6SING | Joy to the World

READ | Come to the Manger (A Poem by Melissa Kruger)8

PRAY | Pray that God will bring enough stillness and reflection to your hearts this season that you could experience true worship during this season of remembrance.

Lights bright, sparkling tree More to do, more to see

Busy we run, tired we fall, Is this the greatest season of all?

Longing for stillness, fearing it too What if we miss something important to do? Parties, food, fine clothing to wear Dancing in the ball of Vanity Fair.Sisyphean labor, day and night Bound by work, blinded by sight The stillness calls, but we do not hear Cold and distant, but God is near“Sit still my child,” hear Him say Come and meet with Him today At His table we will share A feast for the soul, the richest of fareIt matters not, rich or poor Seek and knock, He’ll open the door

In Him we find the joy we seek He’s lowly in heart, humble, and meekCome to the manger, thirsty soul Drink from Jesus, be made whole Word of life, wrapped in flesh Heavenly dweller, found in a crècheThis is your joy, This is your crown This is the reason that He came down. Second Adam alive for you The One that is Holy, the One that is TrueGreatest gift and feast for all Listen now, hear the call Come to Him, find life in His name Sing to Him, with angels proclaim:Glory to God and peace to mankind Freedom for the captive, sight for the blind Healing He brings, He takes our placeKing of Kings, mighty God of Grace!




TELL THE HYMN STORYPlacide Cappeau (1808-1877) was born in France. At eight years old his hand was surgically amputated following a tragic gunshot accident. In spite of Placide's handicap he went on to win awards as an artist and a journalist. In addition, he studied law and followed in his father's footsteps to become a merchant of wines and spirits. Placide was an outspoken socialist with anti-clerical viewpoints. In 1847 while traveling by stagecoach to Paris, Placide penned the words to a poem about the birth of Christ. He wrote the poem at the request of a local parish priest. He called it Minuit Chretien.

Adolphe Charles Adam (1803-1856) was also born in Paris. His father was a composer and professor at the Paris Conservatoire. Early on, Adolphe proved to have a musical gift. He preferred to improvise rather than to study music. At the age of 18, at his father's insistence, Adolphe agreed to begin taking his music seriously. After graduation from the Paris Conservatoire Adolphe went on to write or co-write more than 50 ballets, operas and musical scores. Adolphe was asked to write a musical score for Placide's poem. The music and poem together were named Cantique de Noel.

D EC E M B E R 2 2

LUKE 2:8-14LUKE 1:46-49


In 1855, a Unitarian minister, John Sullivan Dwight (1813-1893) was America's first influential classical music critic. He translated the carol into English. On Christmas Eve, 1906, Reginald Fessenden, a Canadian inventor, broadcast the very first AM radio program which included him playing a violin solo. The hymn he chose as the first musical piece to ever be broadcast via radio airways was O Holy Night.1

OR

Show a Clip: O Holy Night / Ave Maria ft. Lexi Walker - The Piano Guyshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGHUmpUu7Gw



Today’s Text:

Luke 2:8-148 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 1: 46-4946 And Mary said:“My soul glorifies the Lord47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed,49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.

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CONTEXT Quick Glance2

Author: Luke, a Gentile physician and missionary companion of Paul

Audience: Addressed to Theophilus, but intended for all believers

Date: Between the 60s and the 80s AD

Theme: Luke presents Jesus as the Messiah and Lord whose life, death and resurrection make salvation available to all people everywhere.

CONTENTIn our final Christmas lesson this year, we will focus on a line in a historic Christmas hymn.

Let All Within Us Praise His Holy Name

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;Let all within us praise his holy name.Christ is the Lord! O praise his name forever!His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!

The hymnwriter most certainly has a moment of musical worship in mind here. What an amazing corporate anthem for the church! With everything we have, let us praise his Holy name. And what shall we sing?

Christ is the Lord! Praise his name forever! His power and glory, evermore proclaim!

All is calm. All is bright.No crib for a bed.In field where they lay keeping their sheep.The stars are brightly shining.

(Silent Night)

The Christmas hymns have done well to draw us into the Christmas story. But this one in particular draws us into response. Let’s take a moment and recount the response of those present at the first Christmas.

(1) The angels

Luke 2:11-1411 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

The angels’ response to the birth of Jesus was worship. Glory to God!

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My advice this Christmas? Allow the traditions of the season to stir you up by way of reminder. Allow the things familiar to point you to things essential. Don’t miss them. -Chuck Swindoll



(2) The shepherds

Luke 2:15-20

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

• This ostentatious presentation is not about the worth and merit of the shepherds. The glory is not theirs. And it’s not about mankind’s deservedness and value. This gospel is for all people, and this peace is for all the earth, and all those with whom God is pleased by faith (Hebrews 11:6), but this declaration of glory is not to them. Rather, as the angels say, this stunning news, and this strange and wonderful way of doing it, is to the glory of God. He is the initiator and actor. He is the one who has promised this Savior for centuries and now sends him in humility to shepherds and all who acknowledge their lowliness. It is his goodness on display in this good news, and the great joy he brings redounds to his praise: “Glory to God in the highest.” And yes, for the lowest too.3

The shepherds’ response to the birth of Jesus was belief, pursuit, and worship.

(3) Mary

Luke 1: 46-4946 And Mary said:“My soul glorifies the Lord47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed,49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.

Mary’s response to the birth of Jesus was worship. My soul glorifies the Lord. Holy is his name.

• It is not unimportant that all members of the Trinity are involved in Jesus’ birth; it is profoundly important. The members of the Godhead are working in different roles but in concert to effect the salvation of the lost. How glorious this is, and how essential to our faith.4

(4) Joseph

Matthew 1:20-25

20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:



23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

The best way to describe Joseph’s response is belief and obedience.

(5) The Magi

Matthew 2:10-11

10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The wise men responded with joy, reverence, worship, and gifts.

The coming of Jesus demands a response.

Do you believe? If you believe, what response does it evoke in you?

Imagine you were a prisoner of war. You had been in captivity for 5 years. Your family doesn’t know where you are. You have no communication with the outside world. You're not even completely sure just how long you’ve been there, let alone if there’s any hope of getting out. Day after terrible day, you agonize over the helplessness. You resolve to stop thinking about the comforts of home, the warmth of hugs from loved ones. One day, your Father walks into the prison, gives you a long and tearful hug before nudging you out of the cell door.

“I came to get you out of here,” he says. How would you feel in that moment?

But then he says, “But in order for you to go home, I’m going to need to stay.” How would you feel in that moment?

Upon arrival back home, you learn that, in five years, he had never taken a day off. He had been working all day everyday on the negotiation of your release. And the day he had learned that he could swap himself for you, he got on a plane to make the transfer. How would you feel in that moment?

What is your response when you remember that Jesus walked through the cell door to get you? He became flesh.

What is your response when you remember that in order to rescue you, he had to take your punishment? He took on your sin and gave you his righteousness.

What is your response when you learn that he had worked tirelessly, selflessly, sparing no expense to rescue you? He suffered, died a humiliating death, and took on the wrath of God to secure your freedom.

Becoming a follower of Jesus does NOT mean that he becomes one of your primary influences; at the top of your Twitter list. To be a follower of Jesus means that He is the Master of everything in your life: what you believe; where you go; what you do with your money. -JD Greear



Some pastors have said that the single most important question for every human is, “What will you do with Jesus?” It sounds a bit dramatic, but think about it. If Jesus is who he says he is, who he was foretold to be, did what the Scriptures say he did, then to be apathetic about Jesus would be quite foolish.

• The celebration of the birth of Christ puts everything on the table. The unswerving directness and crystalizing simplicity of the Christmas message leaves no room for confusion. Reading the gospel texts we know that we either believe or run away. This is either the greatest truth ever declared, or it is the saddest lie ever told. The Christmas story cannot be reduced to a sentimental tale that gives humanity a warm glow. When the heavenly host declares that Jesus is the Savior who is Christ the Lord, they announce the forgiveness of sins to those who repent and believe and they declare war on those who would oppose this child.5

Use the “Reflect on the Text” chart on p.47 to do a self-examination. Is your response to Jesus appropriate?

AN ‘O HOLY NIGHT ’ STORYJEN WILKIN

We crowd into the room, shuffling song sheets so everyone can see, children in front. I turn so Jeff can read the chords, the neck of the guitar jutting awkwardly in front of me. We have an audience of two.He lies next to her on the bed, on her left. He is neatly dressed, his white hair carefully combed. She lies slack-jawed, eyes staring up to the ceiling. Purple blotches cover her arm. Her right hand rests loosely on a baby doll placed on her chest. He is holding her left.He smiles and wishes us a Merry Christmas. He has a request: Could we sing “O Holy Night”?We find it on our songsheets and begin to sing. The key is a bit high, and we search for the top notes of the chorus.He closes his eyes as we sing.They have been married for 50 years. She has been in this room for three. When the dementia blossomed, she forgot his name and began asking for the man who left her a widow in her 20s. He requested a larger bed be brought into the room so they could lie next to each other. So he could hold her hand. Some would say he belongs outside this building, but he does not agree.We marry ‘til death do us part, but we do not choose the manner of our parting. We speak with longing of the desire to grow old together, but we do not picture this. And yet he stays, and he waits for what is next, and he holds her hand.“Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother. And in his name all oppression shall cease.”

Oppression ceasing. No more slack jaw, no more vacant stare. No more hours of airless waiting, marked off by the whir of the blood pressure monitor. The death of death at the birth of Christ. O holy night.My eyes are pulled to the hand strumming the guitar.I will hold that hand. I will hold it. Or it will hold mine. I do not know what the years will bring, but I know this with increasing certainty: that hand will stay in my hand. And we will wait together, for as long as we are given, for the end of oppression. He has come. He is coming.

“Thank you, that was beautiful.”He is being kind—-we are not great singers. I am the one who should speak those words. Thank you. Thank you for the hope in your hand.6



CONCLUSIONThe proper response to the Christmas story is worship.


(1) Remind them to sing truthfully and whole heartedly. If we are not careful, we will find ourselves slipping into a subtle cultural error. Amidst all the thinking, the analyzing, the problem solving in daily life, when we come to musical worship, we often think of it as a time to give our minds a much needed rest. We want to disengage our brains and engage our hearts. After all, music has a way of stirring our emotions, tugging at our hearts. Let us not forget that we are to worship Jesus in Spirit and in truth. In fact, the power of musical worship depends on the truth of what we are singing. This Christmas, remind those you’re discipling not to go into a musical-trance during times of worship. Instead, listen to the words, remember their roots in Scripture, and celebrate. Celebrate not because it’s a good or nostalgic song. Celebrate because it’s true. Give God the glory he deserves because it is true and it has been born out in your own life.

a. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:24)

b. What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. (1 Corinthians 14:15)

c. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

(2) Remind them to show God his worth through personal obedience. The word worship comes from the root word worth. Although we mostly think of worship as singing, worship in Scripture is much deeper. Worship is all the things we do as humans to ascribe glory, honor, and value to something. Worship may be the best way to diagnose our own idols. Idols may not be images and statues we bow down to. But they are things to which we ascribe ultimate value. We show these things how much they are worth to us by the time, energy, and attention we give them. We order our lives around the things we love. The message of the Bible is that those who love Jesus joyously strive to obey his commands. We are most fully worshipping Jesus not when we’re singing at the top of our lungs in church but when we are fully surrendered to his will.

a. I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)

b. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15)

c. For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (James 2:26)

(3) Remind them to help others see Jesus for who he is this Christmas. As we have demonstrated this week, the most important question for any human to answer is the question, “who is Jesus?” Remind those you’re discipling to engage in intentional conversations with friends,

The birth was not the end of the story, but neither is the resurrection. So let’s take people from the cradle to the cross but also from the cross to the rule of Christ. That’s something to celebrate. -Dr. Steven W. Smith


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colleagues, and neighbors about what it means that Jesus came. This is an excellent time to help people see their true beliefs. Are they at church? Are they in celebration mode? This is a great chance to ask them why. What do they believe is true in this story? What bearing does it have on their lives? After all, Jesus is coming back. And their answer to these questions is a matter of life and death.

a. Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. (1 Thess. 16:16-17)

b. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:5-6)

c. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. (Mark 16:15)



Response Example Questions

Worship in Song Mary

The Angels

Do you delight in honoring God in song? Do you make it a habit to remember who Jesus is and what he has done? When you think about the Lord Jesus, does your heart overflow in gratitude? When God looks upon your heart, does he see a joyous child ascribing glory to a loving Father?

Worship through Obedience

Joseph Jesus said that those who love him will obey his commands. Romans 12 says that our spiritual act of worship is offering our lives to Jesus for his purposes. Is your life's adherence to the Word of God a testimony of the way you feel about Christ?

Worship through Pursuit

Shepherds The shepherds responded to the message by following. They sought the King. How does your life look different when compared to those who have rejected Jesus? What are their pursuits? What do they strive after? And what would they say you strive after?

Worship through Gifts

Magi As Christians, we joyously give from the resources God has given us toward God's global mission of making disciples. But what else can you offer to God? Your spiritual gifts? Do you give your talents to God? Do you give your time to God?






SALVATION


Circle any lyrics below which feature the doctrine of salvation.

LORDSHIP

Believers in Jesus have rightfully designated Christ as the preeminent guide in life and the authority over the activities of their lives.

Underline any lyrics below which mention the Lordship of Christ in our lives.

VIRGIN BIRTH

Jesus Christ, fully God, took on human flesh and was born of a virgin

Draw a box around any lyrics below which remind us of the incarnation.

s

1 O holy night! the stars are brightly shining;It is the night of the dear Savior's birth.Long lay the world in sin and error pining,Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.A thrill of hope--the weary world rejoices,For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!Fall on your knees!O hear the angel voices!O night divine, O night when Christ was born!O night, O holy night, O night divine!

2 Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand.So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,Here came the Wise Men from Orient land.The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,In all our trials born to be our Friend.He knows our need-- to our weakness is no

stranger.Behold your King, before him lowly bend!Behold your King, before him lowly bend!

3 Truly he taught us to love one another;His law is love and his gospel is peace.Chains shall he break, for the slave is our

brother,And in his name all oppression shall cease.Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise

we;Let all within us praise his holy name.Christ is the Lord! O praise his name forever!His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!

O HOLY NIGHT


SOURCES1 https://www.sharefaith.com/guide/Christian-Holidays/holiday-songs/o-holy-night,-the-song-and-the-story.html2 NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Luke Genre

3 https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/glory-to-god-in-the-lowest4 https://www.patheos.com/blogs/thoughtlife/2012/12/what-the-virgin-birth-means-why-rob-bell-is-so-

tragically-wrong/

5 https://albertmohler.com/2014/12/12/to-give-knowledge-of-salvation-to-his-people-a-christmas-mandate-for-christian-ministry/

6 https://www.jenwilkin.net/blog/2011/12/hope-of-advent.html


HOME 22:6SING | O Holy Night

READ | “He’s Here” from the Jesus Storybook Bible

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2y2FJqsv_8

PRAY | Pray that God will furnish you with a heart of true worship this Christmas, both in song and in surrender.

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