Series: The Call of Christmas
Message: The Call to Praise
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira
Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 44:9-16.
Read: Luke 2:1-20—As you read in the NLT translation, note 1-3 insights/questions that arise.
Reflect: It is very hard to read Luke 2:7 and not imagine the typical nativity scene, with Mary wearing blue and white, Joseph mingled in with the shepherds and wise men, several animals lying around all staring at the trough, and that trough now filled with nice clean hay and baby Jesus cooing ever so gently. Tomorrow we will delve into the reality of what they faced.
Most historians believe that it was not until the 4th century that the Western Church established December 25 as Christmas. This was most likely to counter the winter solstice celebrations. The Eastern Churches used to focus on January 6, on the Feast of Epiphany, but now too have adopted December 25. Needless to say, the Church controlled so much of the art world that nativity scenes became a common motif. We have 2000 years on, commercialized into beautiful sets we buy or make, which needs to be grasped as a great opportunity to talk about the “good news” with people. For instance, what artistic expression today in forms of poetry, music, carvings, paintings, sculptures, etc. could we create that helps re-tell not only the birth but the powerful presence of the Savior of the world, of our Savior?
Recalibrate:
Respond: Pray for wisdom.
Research: What is your favorite painting from the middle ages about the birth of Jesus? Why is special to you?