Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2, Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 1:26-33, Luke 1:38; Luke 2:1-20, Matthew 2:1-16, Matthew 2:19-23
We share today in the joyous story of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, as told in Scripture, carols, and poetry.
In the first century the Gospel Writers, Matthew and Luke recorded the Scripture. In the centuries which have followed, men have been inspired by these beloved passages from our Bible to pen their tributes to Him who was born in a lowly manger.
Yet, we must realize that beyond the joy of the Christmas story lies the Resurrection – for the beauty of Christmas, the joys of the carols and poems, lies not only in His birth but also in our faith that our Savior lives forever.
Prophecy of His Coming
Centuries before the first Christmas, the prophets had foretold the coming of Jesus. Also the angel Gabriel announced His birth to the Virgin Mary. These Scripture readings and carols express confidence in the fulfillment of God’s promise of a Savior, and implied is the heartfelt longing for the hastening of that glorious day.
Old Testament Prophecies
Isaiah 7:14
Micah 5:2
Isaiah 9:2, 6, 7
Annunciation to Mary
Luke 1:26-33, 38
Hymn No. 147: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Intro, 3vs, Amen) (3-A-2)
The Birth of Jesus
There is no better known story than that of the birth of Jesus as told by Luke. Who hasn’t been awed, like the shepherds, as the angelic hosts sang the first Christmas carol, praising God for the Prince of Peace?
In reading the Scripture, we share the shepherds’ elation and wonderment; and in the carols and poems we continue to express their joy at His birth.
The Savior Is Born; The Shepherds’ Story
Luke 2:1-7 (Hymnbook Page 520, Reading No. 47, 1st paragraph)
Hymn No. 158: Angels We Have Heard on High (Intro, vs. 1, 2) (3-A-3)
Luke 2: 8-14 (Hymnbook Page 520, Reading No. 47, 2nd paragraph)
Hymn No. 160: It Came Upon a
Luke 2: 15-20 (Hymnbook Page 521, Reading No. 47, 3rd paragraph)
Hymn No. 163: Hark, The Herald Angels Sing (Intro, 3vs) (3-A-5)
The Visit of the Wise Men
The Majesty of God, the miracle of His Son, is nowhere so provocative to our minds as in Matthew’s account of the visit of the Wise Men. From afar they followed a wondrous star that they might bow down in adoration and worship before the newborn King. Who among us hasn’t longed to do likewise? And through carol and poem paid homage to Christ, the Savior King?
The Story of the Wise Men
Matthew 2:1-16, 19-23
Hymn No. 174: As With Gladness Men of Old (Intro, vs. 1, 3) (3-A-6)
Poem, “My Gift,” -Christina G. Rosetti
“In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow has fallen snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.
“Our God, heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign:
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord incarnate, Jesus the Christ.
“Enough for Him whom cherubim worship night and day
A breast full of milk and a manger full of hay
Enough for Him whom angels bow down before,
With ox and ass and camel which adore.
“What can I give Him poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would give Him a lamb.
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
But what I can give Him? I can give Him my heart.”
