Station 0: Location Pick up – The Vineyard: 7101 Pleasant Valley Rd.

Text JOURNEY to 859-689-0777 to begin…

Head to Station 0 to pick up your giftbag with your resources for this interactive Christmas Journey.

If you want to enrich your experience check out our playlist “Community Christmas Journey” on Spotify.

Drive to Station 1…

Station 1 – Hospital or Dr. Office - Florence St Elizabeth: 4900 Houston Rd. Florence

With Great Anticipation

Hospital waiting rooms are notorious for long waits. Imagine the people inside - holding their breath as they wait to hear a health update, anticipate a diagnosis, wait for a baby to arrive, or perhaps say goodbye to a loved one.

We know that often waiting can lead to impatience, anxiety, or even loss of hope, yet the biblical Hebrew word for hoping literally means to wait. It seems that there is something in the waiting that invites us to hope…a hope that the waiting will pay off.

Isaiah 9:2, 6 says: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

The words above were written centuries before the birth of Jesus. In fact, during the time between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament, roughly 400 years had passed in apparent silence.

Where had God gone? Had He forgotten about His promises to bless His people? God’s people were waiting, longing for the Messiah to come and set things right in the world again, the Prince of Peace whose kingdom would never end.

Many had hoped that by adding more rules to the Law they had received through Moses they could speed up the process. They attempted to muscle up their holiness and exert what control they could on God and the world around them. They hoped that their holiness would convince the Messiah to return to them.

But it did not work. And for 400 years, they waited. Struggled. Worked. They were weary. They were worn.

Many of us also struggle in the waiting. Fixing our eyes on the horizon, willing the bus to come sooner. Waiting for that news—for good news or bad news, the diagnosis, the job offer or rejection, pregnant or not pregnant. We find ourselves in various rituals hoping beyond hope that our efforts will force God to answer our prayers in the way that we want. And still we wait.

Reflection Questions: Share a story of a time when you struggled to wait?

Is there something you are waiting for right now?

Prayer: Father, our impatience keeps us distracted. We are so eager to get to the point that we often miss the things you might want to teach us in the waiting. Show us how you are at work in the waiting. Give us hope. Amen.

Station 2 – Local High School - Boone County High School: 7056 Burlington Pike, Florence, or Conner High School: 3310 Cougar Path, Hebron

As we sit outside of this high school we are reminded of Mary and Joseph. Mere teenagers, they were chosen to parent the long-promised messiah! Their young lives were disrupted with news that was shocking, life altering, and frankly...hard to believe....

The gospel of Matthew tells the story like this:

“This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Mathew 1:18-21

Bewildered yet believing. Equal parts doubt and faith. Sometimes it is very easy for us to identify with Mary.

How could this really be part of her story? An uneducated, simple, ordinary teenage girl who would from that moment on, be extraordinary. For generation after generation, she would be called blessed, favored, chosen.

And this murmuring of angels would be a thing that she would never be able to let go of. Instead, she would “treasure these things and ponder them in her heart.” Her only conclusion... this great thing that had been done for her flowed from the heart of God Himself. And her response to it all was a profound humility.

The scriptures say Mary was “overshadowed by the Most High” and gave birth to something entirely good. And at times this past year, so were we. Maybe we gave birth to a moment of kindness, a touch, a time where we brought healing to a hurting soul, built a bridge, broke down a wall, made a home in our heart for another.

We treasure the fact that he might use us, flawed and failing as we are. Impossible we think, but then we hear the angel’s words to Mary echo in our own hearts as they must have echoed in hers over and over and over again.

“With God, nothing is impossible”. Luke 1:37

Or consider Joseph, a character in this story, as if almost in the shadows, somehow struggling for a sense of belonging, fighting hard against the inadequacy he felt for the task that lay ahead. I try to imagine how Joseph felt as he approached what was about to happen. The impossibility of it all must have been daunting. The staggering responsibility of being the earthly father of this heavenly child. I imagine him thinking, how can a man, especially a man like me so full of shadows and questions, be father to the son of God? How does one father his own creator?

What do I know about raising a king?

Sometimes we feel just like Joseph, puzzled and pondering, struggling with the task he has put before us.

We cannot find in this story any time that Mary and Joseph saw themselves as worthy and equipped to be the parents of Jesus. Instead, we see them humbly acknowledging that it is only through the power and grace of an all-powerful God that two ordinary teenagers could take on such an enormous task. Their willingness to say yes to God, no matter how disruptive, would forever change their lives.

This is a theme throughout the Bible. God seems to love calling the unexpected, the humble, and the unqualified into His grand plans for the world.

There is none too young or too old, too rich, or too poor, too educated or not educated enough. God loves and has plans for everyone. He has plans for married couples, singles, men and women, divorcees, republicans and democrats, people who struggle with addiction, and even those that work extraordinarily hard to make it seem like they have their lives all together!

Reflection Questions: Do you ever struggle to believe that your life could be a part of something bigger and greater that God is doing?

Maybe today is a day that you can humbly acknowledge your need for an all-powerful God to remind you of that love and those plans – plans to do extraordinarily more than you could ever ask or imagine. What is holding you back from stepping into this promise?

Prayer:

God, there are so many things in our lives that could lead us to believe you would not want to use us. We want to see ourselves as you do and ask that you would lead us towards the things you have for us in this life even if it means disrupting the things we hold most tightly.

Station 3 – Boone Country Justice Center: 6025 Rogers Ln., Burlington, or Florence Government Center: 8100 Ewing Blvd., Florence

Sitting at this government building we are reminded of the historical context of Jesus’ birth. For generations, the people of God lived in waiting and under oppressive political rule. Their land had been taken, they were forced into exile, and now they are living under Roman occupation. This meant that they were under the rule of Rome yet were considered “outsiders” without any of the benefits of being Roman citizens. Rome set the rules and the people of God had to follow them.

The circumstances of their day-to-day life and even religious practices were regulated. Rome had a new emperor and even being nine months pregnant was not enough to get Mary and Joseph out of traveling to their hometown of Bethlehem to be counted and pay their taxes to Rome. We see this tension beautifully articulated in this poem, In those days, by Sarah Bourns.

“IN THOSE DAYS...” A census was taken The world was shaken. Everything turned upside down As everyone traveled to their hometown.

No predicting, no planning No controlling, no managing. Nothing was now, as it should be Nothing, anymore, came easily.

Tension. Frustration. Oppression. Hesitation. Upheaval, undoing, unrest Disorder, dismantling, distress.

A reckoning, upending A whole earth unsettling.

A crushing, a breaking A people lay waiting…

In those days…

In those very days, In those overwhelming, unexpected days, Into their very ordinary everyday days, Yes, on THOSE very days…

The Messiah came.

Those days of quiet desperation Became a doorway for whole earth reconciliation.

Those days of deep disorientation Became the pathway toward whole life transformation.

In those days… … In these days… In your overwhelming, unexpected days Into your ordinary everyday days On these unsettling, dismantling kinds of days In unusual, unpredictable, surprising kinds of ways On those days… Yes, even on THOSE very days…

The Messiah Comes.

Again, and again. And again.

Reflection Questions:

Fill in the blank for exactly how you find yourself feeling, right here, right now. The poem said “In those days…” How are you feeling, in these days?

Perhaps you would say something about … curiosity… expectancy… exhaustion… vulnerability...overwhelm…peace…frustration

Without judging it, share with those in your car.

As you think about wrapping up one unexpected, exhausting, unprecedented year- what is one thing you find yourself longing for? Answer in the activity below.

Activity: This Christmas as we reflect on the story of Jesus entering our harsh and broken world, what do you need today- Peace? Joy? Hope? Love? Purpose? Relief? Inside your Christmas Journey kit there is a wooden ornament for each person in your car. Take a moment and write a word on each ornament, that represents what you are hoping for this year.

For kids consider writing “2020” in the center and asking what words come to their minds and help them write them on the ornament.

***When you’re done writing on your ornament(s) attach the included string(s) and hang them from your rearview mirror for the remainder of the Christmas Journey.***

Prayer: (If you feel comfortable, have each person finish this sentence out loud as a prayer using the word they wrote on their ornament.) “God, this year would you provide ____.” Close your time by reading this prayer aloud: “God would you give us perspective on the challenges we’re facing. Would you cultivate in us a steadfast hope to hold out for what you want to accomplish through them.”

Station 4: - Local farm/barn/field - Kinman Farms 4175 Burlington Pike.

They finally made it to Bethlehem. Joseph looked everywhere for a safe place to have baby Jesus, but every room and inn was full. Finally, an innkeeper felt sorry for the young couple. He showed Joseph a place where they could stay, a place where the animals were kept. Mary and Joseph were thankful that they at least had a place to lie down.

This was hardly the place for a King’s arrival. We might imagine a palace, a throne - important people surrounding and royal announcements abounding. However, God did not choose that kind of arrival. Not only did He choose a lowly location, but He also chose to publicly announce His arrival in a curious way.

It was not the powerful, the important, or the elite that heard the Good News of Jesus’ arrival first. Angels came down to humble shepherds in a dark field full of sleepy sheep and lit it up with heavenly light.

The shepherds were simple men, resting after a day like any other. They had spent a thousand nights just like this one. Sitting around the dancing campfire’s light, lying back against the soft green pillow of a grassy bank, peering out into an ink black heaven punctuated by a billion stars. Undoubtedly, they talked of the day, exchanging stories, with the soft distant sounds of sheep all around them. Then suddenly in their midst stood an angel of the Lord and immediately all about them a light shone that dwarfed the fire and the stars. The light was the glory of God himself.

Can you imagine the piercing light that dark night? The angels saw the shepherd’s great fear and tried to still their trembling hearts. It was good news they brought. Not news of judgment but of undeserved favor, of a savior, a savior for all people, a savior for them. No sooner had the words been spoken, then suddenly the host of stars above them was outnumbered by a greater host of angels singing “Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth.”

After the song and the glory of the angels had faded, the shepherd’s response was a simple one. They looked at one another and said, “let’s go, let’s see this thing that has happened”. And as scripture says “they came in haste” to the manger. That is bible lingo for running like crazy men!! They took off and left their sheep and their belongings and what looked like their senses and ran like excited children dropped off at Disneyland’s gate.

These bold, brash simple men approached the infant Jesus with a bold and brash and simple faith. They knew what they had been told, they came to see and lay claim to their part of the miracle of his coming, and then they told everyone who would listen as they danced their way home. They left glorifying and praising God. All of Bethlehem knew what had happened to them.

Reflection Questions: Bethlehem was an unlikely place and shepherds an unlikely people to receive news of a king. But this king was different than any the world had ever seen. Rather than royal fanfare and

celebrations with the elite, instead of earthly pronouncements he received a heavenly one. God chose to enter the world in a humble place among animals and the lowest in society. At times we can forget that status, success, or even good behavior aren’t able to draw God closer to us. His love is the only thing that does.

Jesus didn't just come for us; he came for them. He came among them! Perhaps you have found yourself unworthy to be in the presence of a King. Perhaps you have found it hard to imagine that this King also came for ‘those people’ whoever that may be to you. Can you imagine a God who loves you, and others, so much he chose to draw near?

Take a minute to remind one another there is nothing you could do to make him love you less. And there is nothing you can to do make him love you more.

For many of us this type of unconditional love is hard to understand. Share why you think that love can be difficult for so many of us to grasp?

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus for coming to an unlikely place and an unlikely people. You remember those who are easily forgotten. You see the ones that no one else sees. You weren’t too high for the shepherds, so in your grace, please reveal yourself to us.

Station 5: - Vineyard church on the left side:7101 Pleasant Valley Rd., Florence

The shepherds and their sheep hurried off to Bethlehem. There they found baby Jesus wrapped in snugly cloth laying in a manger. The shepherds told Mary and Joseph what the angels had told them about baby Jesus. Everyone who heard the news was amazed. The shepherds returned to their fields with their sheep, praising God for all they had seen.

Of all the ways that God could have come to the world, this is surely the most unlikely. That God would become human...It’s absurd. Creator God! This is the one that said, “Let there be.” Light beamed for the first time straight from his lips. He spoke the sky into its place. The oceans obeyed his command. Everything that has breath owes its breath to Him.

And now, he rests in a manger, cooing and fragile. Vulnerable and in need of his mother. A boy destined to run and play, explore and grow. Fully divine, yet fully human in every way. It is in this truth that we see that Jesus doesn’t enter our world in towering strength, strong muscles

or a palace and throne. He doesn’t enter without need or without emotion either. Jesus comes in vulnerability and utter dependence, with newborn tears and a need to be cared for. He comes, as Isaiah 40:5 says, as “the God who will one day reveal himself to all flesh”

The Creator had joined His own creation and set aside his rights, privileges, and power in the process. He came to restore that which was broken, to bring humanity back to its intended purpose. God’s image had to be renewed in us. And though unlikely, what better way for Jesus to show us the way than by living the way? Jesus is what it really means to be a human being. Rather than shake the Earth with the sound of His voice, he came in the singular small voice of a child...Just like each of us.

Reflection Questions: God wanted to show the whole world the great love that He had for all people. We have the benefit of knowing how the rest of the story goes. Jesus grows into a young man that eventually lays down His life to rescue people that are far from God. Through His sacrifice we too can be sons and daughters of God.

The Bible says that people are saved by grace through faith. This just means that it was a work of God through Jesus that saves us and that although none of us deserve it, new life is a gift offered to us today. We just must receive that gift in faith.

Maybe you’ve never received this gift, and this Christmas can be the year that your life changes forever!

Have you received this gift?

If not, what is stopping you from trusting Him today?

Prayer: God, we thank you for the arrival of Jesus. For the hope that He brings and the gentle invitation to respond to him. God, we want to receive Jesus’ gift of new life and today we receive that in faith. Give us the courage to trust Him with everything in our lives. Thank you, God.

Station 6: Christmas tree at The Vineyard Church in front: 7101 Pleasant Valley Rd., Florence

This changes everything! Years of waiting, hoping, longing for a Messiah. Words and messages that foretold the coming King--FULFILLED!

“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14

Over 700 years later these words were fulfilled, as recorded in the first chapter of the Gospel of Matthew.

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:22-23

Immanuel: God with us. Not just God in Heaven. Not God detached and far away. God with us, miraculously. Right here, right now with an unstoppable, unshakable love for you and a dream to restore the world around us.

The Gospel of John describes Jesus this way: 1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He existed in the beginning with God. 3God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:1-5

In the midst of darkness, God’s light burst into our world. This stunning miracle-baby turned the darkness to daylight. Out of the brightness of God’s presence, angels proclaimed a message of Good News and great joy. And with their news came a song of celebration: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

Reflection Questions:

Maybe this year the sound of praise has been farther than ever from your own lips. But what if tonight the angel’s song wouldn’t be such a distant one? Take a minute and think about the places of darkness in your life- and the challenges you may be facing. Are you carrying shame because of something you are struggling with? Are there places in your life or your past that are hard to imagine God’s light shining into?

Activity: In your journey kit you will find a glowstick for each person in your car. After you spend a few minutes reflecting on how incredible it is that there is no depth of darkness that light cannot pierce, break them to illuminate your car.

This light represents that there is nothing so broken God can’t mend it. Nothing so lost, God cannot find it. Nothing so dead God cannot resurrect it. Tonight, the same light that burst into this world 2,000 years ago, wants to illuminate your life as well. Immanuel is still his name; He is with you.

Prayer: God, we celebrate the birth of Jesus tonight. We recognize what a precious and loving gift he was to the world. Would you break into the darkness in our lives, in our cities, in your country and in our world. Would you show us how to illuminate Jesus is us- bright enough for all to see. Would you pour out your spirit on us and bring redemption and restoration to your world. Jesus, we love you and long to see your purposes fulfilled. Fill us with your light! Amen!

***If this stirred up a need for you, we would love to help! You can text PRAY to 859-689-0777 to pray with someone or for guidance on next steps.***

Station 7: You pick the location to bless someone!

For your 7th and final stop- we want to invite you to define the finish line. As we have just celebrated Jesus as the light of the world bursting onto the scene to bring redemption and restoration-we want to challenge you to share this light and hope with someone else.

So, what is a practical way you can bless someone - right now? Tonight? Perhaps you want to leave an enormous tip when you pick up carryout food at a local restaurant tonight, maybe you want to grab some gifts for your neighbors and leave them on their doorsteps to spread some joy, you could consider calling a friend or family member you

know is struggling or isolated this holiday season. Maybe you want to bless local healthcare workers with breakfast delivered to the hospital? Get creative and get to spreading the light with others as you wrap up your Christmas Journey!

It can be something big or something small but whatever you choose I want to encourage you to let us know what you did. You can send us a note or post a picture on your social media using #ChristmasJourneyNKY. Sharing these little stories is a way for us to celebrate all the ways we get to bring light and good news to our communities this Christmas AND encourage others to do the same.

Drive to the location of place or the people you want to bless. When you arrive, read the following reflection.

Reflection Questions: The Magi were specialists in astrology, medicine, and the natural sciences. Wisdom had made them wealthy. But it had also left them with a burning vacuum inside. As with so many honest people who study the creation, they were led to a deep desire to know the creator.

They were familiar with the 600-year-old messianic prophecies of another Magi, Daniel who told them to expect some stellar sign of the Jewish Messiah’s birth. Night after night they must have looked up into the sky, wanting to see beyond, wanting to peer into the mysteries of heaven itself.

So, when Christ’s star appeared, they were prepared. They knew this star of singular purpose signaled the birth of no ordinary king. The light of this star led to the very one deserving their worship. We know only that they came from the East, came seeking the one foretold in the Jewish scriptures, the newborn king of the Jews.

They themselves were not Jews, they were seekers. They went straight away, to Jerusalem to the royal palace. Naturally, where else would you look for a king? But he was not there, instead a stable turned out to be his palace. And there they found the one to whom all their knowledge of the creation seemed to point. There they found the child, bathed in heavenly starlight.

And the sight of the child evoked a common response from these men of wisdom. It evoked a deep, insatiable desire to give. They gave their treasures, costly frankincense, a king’s gold, and rare spices. But more importantly these men gave their worship, they gave their hearts, they gave themselves.

Sometimes it is an almost uncontrollable urge to give that overtakes us as we understand the true meaning of Christmas. It is all we can think of the sheer wonder of His gift of life drives us to respond in kind and give to others. The costliness of God’s great gift to us makes us want to imitate our Father and give in a costly fashion to those around us.

Yes, sometimes we come to this season with our arms outstretched, offering all we hold dear. Our abilities, our possessions, our time, our children, our plans, our lives. Yes, sometimes, like the wisemen, we come giving.

Prayer: Father all that we have and all that we are is yours. Teach us to live and love and give as generously as you have loved us. Remind us this Christmas what is most important- the loving gift of Jesus for all people. Give us eyes to see how you are inviting us to partner with you in extending that love extravagantly today and always. ***Finish Step 7 by Blessing the person or place you discussed above.***

Conclusion: Thank you for joining us for the Christmas Journey! Do not forget to share your experience with us on social media using #ChristmasJourneyNKY. If you would like to connect with us or request prayer, text PRAY to 859-689-0777. Wherever you are on your journey, we are grateful you joined us for this Christmas Journey.

We would like to invite you into one more tradition that we do every year on Christmas Eve at The Vineyard. Sometime between now and Christmas morning take your candles out of the bag, light them, click the link for Silent Night and sign it together as a family. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sng274_cv6g

Merry Christmas!!!