The Nativity Story Youthworker

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The Nativity Story YouthWorker Kit The Nativity Story 33 / Introduction 34 / Timeline 35 / Article: The Humbling Starts Here 36 / Article: A Righteous Dude 37 / Article: Really. A Virgin? 38 / Session One: Unplanned Pregnancies 40 / Session Two: A Trip At The Worst Time 42 / Session Three: A Child Is Born

By: Ken McCoy JumpStart Ministries Escondido, California [email protected] The Nativity Story Page

Introd uction 33

You know the Christmas story inside and out. You know the flow of events, the cast of characters, the intimate details, and even the ancient prophecies that foretold it all. You know many of the misconceptions, misunderstandings, and mistakes that many people have about the story. You started learning the story before you could even walk or talk. And every year, you hear the story again.

Your challenge as a youth leader The filmmakers are bringing an unprec- temple of Jerusalem at the same loca- Christmas parties, caroling, and other tasked to teaching that familiar story to edented level of commitment to ensure tions used in such films as Gladiator special events clog the church’s teenagers once every year is to find a the authenticity of The Nativity Story and Kingdom of Heaven. December calendar. way to make the familiar into some- as well as the film’s look. Director thing exciting, insightful, or even inter- Catherine Hardwicke, a former produc- The Christmas Opportunity The last thing you need is yet another esting. You need to find something, tion designer, was adamant that every There is something special about the Christmas event. That’s exactly why ANYthing, to bring to the surface the detail—from the locations, to the sets, Christmas holiday. For obvious rea- this material is designed to fit in with phenomenal wonder and mystery of to the props—look and feel authentic. sons, Christians consider Christmas what you are already doing with your the Christmas story. Hardwicke, writer Mike Rich, and pro- as one of the most “holy” of “holy days” young friends during December. You’ll duction designer Stefano Ortolani spent (which is where the word “holiday” find three sessions with background I have some great news for you! countless hours researching the era. comes from), and take a dim view of information that you can use in your Coming in December is a movie that the ever-increasing commercialization regular weekly meetings. The sessions will make Christmas more than “mean- “We got the script into the hands of and trivialization of the season. are designed so that the first two take ingful” for you and your young friends. as many historians and theologians place before you take your group to as possible,” says screenwriter Mike Irreligious people also revere see The Nativity Story in the theater, I know what you’re thinking. “Not anoth- Rich. “They have all helped elevate the Christmas. Christmas traditions and and the third is a follow-up to that expe- er Christmas movie! Puhleeze tell me authentic look and feel of this film from music are strong triggers of family rience after the movie. this isn’t just another Christmas movie.” a standpoint of culture and tradition.” memories, togetherness and love. The Okay. The Nativity Story isn’t just story of a child born to save the world is The Nativity Story is an opportunity that another Christmas movie. Seriously. Because the actual locations of compelling in its mysterious simplicity. you should take advantage of. It has This is the work of a major Hollywood Bethlehem and Nazareth have become everything going for it—excellent pro- studio. The mainstream movie industry fairly modernized over the years, the Everyone gets the Christmas spirit. duction values, excellent spiritual value, hasn’t created a film like this in maybe production decided to shoot in the vil- excellent momentum-of-the-season 50 years. Top-notch talent has been lage of Matera, Italy, which has been Recognizing this as an opportunity, value—all you have to do is plug in the involved in every phase of production virtually unchanged for centuries youth leaders and churches work hard dates on the included timeline, use the of The Nativity Story. The screenplay (and was previously used as a loca- every year to communicate “the real three sessions, and see how God uses isn’t a typical and predictable retelling tion for The Passion of the Christ). meaning of Christmas” to as many your efforts to bring glory to Himself. of the Christmas narrative; instead it is Additionally, the production journeyed people as they can reach. Christmas What could be easier? an engaging recreation of the events to Ouarzazate, Morocco where it shot plays, live manger scenes in front of from so long ago. scenes involving Herod’s castle and the the church, Christmas concerts,

34 Event Time line

Here’s a suggested timeline that you can follow as the previous meeting taking on the challengers. Two Weeks Out (the fourth week you prepare to make the most of this The Nativity Judge phones on the basis of coolest desktop, of November) Story opportunity to reach kids and build momen- ringtones, etc. Award the final winner two free √ Do NOT cancel youth group because of tum for your group. tickets to the movie, one for him or her and one Thanksgiving! – With the movie opening in just two for a pre-Christian friend. weeks, you need to keep the momentum going. Now • Email Nativity Postcards – Graphics from the If necessary, move your meeting to Tuesday eve- √ Plan on packing an entire theater – What would movie are available online at ning to avoid the Wednesday evening travel plans need to happen in order to have a teenager in www.thenativitystory.com. Use them to create that many families have. every seat of a showing of the movie in a theater great-looking emails that you send to your kids. √ First special Nativity-themed Meeting – Refer to near you? Would you need to work with another √ Initiate Prayer Effort – Unfortunately, many youth the complete Leader Guide and Student Guide. church or several churches? What about connect- leaders make great plans and then merely pray ing with your local parachurch youth programs √ Phone-chain – Since you might not see many of that God will bless their efforts. In this case, you your kids at church over the holiday weekend, initi- (Young Life, Student Venture, Campus Life, etc.)? need a prayer team to talk to God about the pre- Dream big, and then get to work! ate a program to call each student on your list, talk Christian kids that need to see the movie. You to them about going to the movie, and ask about √ Determine your ticket purchase plan – To get a need prayer team members who will each take on the friends they’re bringing with them. Report any private screening, you usually have to pay the one or two students from your group and pray for new names of friends to the prayer team. going rate for every seat in the theater. Group-rate them daily – that those students will be bold and tickets are cheaper, and even though you won’t invite their friends to the film. √ Show a Promo Video – Play any of the videos available—whichever works best for you. have the theater to yourself, you’ll create all kinds √ Show the Trailer – Keep building the enthusiasm of energy and enthusiasm by packing the house for this film. √ Keep praying for the kids, promoting the movie, with teenagers. Check with your local theater and selling tickets. about your options. Four Weeks Out (the second week √ Determine when you’ll take your group to the of November) One Week Out (the last week of November/first week of December) movie – You have several options to consider √ Keep Praying – Ask your students to identify two “I with a December movie. Many youth leaders will wanna ask ’em” friends that your prayer team can √ Second special Nativity-themed Meeting – Refer want to take their groups to see The Nativity Story start praying for. to the complete Leader Guide and Student Guide. on the opening night/weekend of December 1st. √ Finalize Transportation – Make sure you have Since Winter Break happens shortly thereafter, √ Keep Promoting – If you can, have different Nativity “characters” show up at your youth meet- enough vehicles and drivers. Gather all the materi- you might want to take your group to a matinee als that you plan to have in each vehicle. showing during the week. That has two advan- ings to give announcements, participate in skits, tages: tickets will be cheaper, and you can follow etc. Place the movie posters in the best places √ Confirm Tickets – Make sure you have enough up an afternoon showing with a The Nativity Story and have lots of flyers available. ordered to handle inevitable last-minute additions. event for your group that same evening. Either √ Start Selling Tickets – Do what some professional √ Keep praying for the kids, promoting the movie, way, plan your show date, and then back-fill all the football teams do and sell only pairs of tickets. and selling tickets. ideas listed below. That way you’ll encourage your students to bring an unchurched friend with them to the movie. Movie Week Six Weeks Out (the last week of October) √ Show the “Behind the Scenes” featurette video √ Five-Senses – A teenager’s Nativity movie experi- √ Form a Nativity Team – You’ll need help if you’re – The more that your students know about the ence does not start when they sit in the chair at going to make the most of this ministry opportu- film, the more likely they will be to invite their the theater; it begins when they pull into the park- nity. Pull together a team of adults who can help unchurched friends to attend a showing of the ing lot at the church. Plan for what the “arrival and you with the various needs of this kind of program. movie with them. check in” area at your church will be by asking the Put different people in charge of Prayer, Publicity, “five senses” questions: What you want kids to Transportation, Ticket Sales, and Programming. Three Weeks Out (the third week SEE when they get to the church? What do you Have them start work immediately. of November) want them to HEAR? TOUCH? TASTE? SMELL? √ Have a Parent’s Meeting – Show the movie trailer √ Keep Praying – Your Prayer Team could plan √ Reconfirm Transportation – Make sure you have to the parents, talk about your plans, answer a prayer chain to be in action during your The one or two cars on standby in case you have a lot questions, get feedback, sign up volunteers, and Nativity Story movie showing and event. of “walk ups” – kids who just “show up” to see the PRAY! √ Keep Promoting – Encourage your students to movie and who you had no idea were coming. √ Show the Teaser Trailer – Let the excitement SMS (text message via cellphone) their friends √ Reconfirm Ticket Count – See “Reconfirm begin by showing the teaser trailer to your youth about the movie – maybe using Christmas Transportation” – You’re better off having a few too group and talking about the ministry potential of phrases such as, “We three kings” or “No room many tickets than too few. this opportunity. in the Inn” or “Away in a manger.” Keep sending √ Sign-In – Prepare “Nativity Cards” (cards that out those emails and handing out those flyers. the kids fill out) so you can get the contact infor- Five Weeks Out (the first week Have a Nativity Story insert about your event mation on each student attending the movie with of November) placed in your church’s bulletin, and ask to make your group. √ Begin Promoting – In addition to your regular pub- an announcement from the pulpit during your licity methods, consider doing some of these: church’s services. One Week After Keep Selling Tickets – By now you should have an • IM – Encourage your leaders and students to √ √ Within 24 hours – Have someone personally use Instant Messaging to their friends about idea if you need to snag even more seats in the contact each student who attended the movie with the movie. showing at the theater. your youth group. Invite each student to the follow- • Ringtones/Themes – Have a “Who Has The √ Show a Promo Video – Play any of the videos up Nativity youth meeting. available—whichever works best for you. Coolest Christmas Phone?” contest each week √ Final Nativity-themed Session – Refer to the com- during your youth meetings, with the winner of plete Leader Guide and Student Guide.

The Humbling Starts Here a) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: b) Who, being in very nature God, c) did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, d) but made himself nothing, e) taking the very nature of a servant, f) being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:5-7 (NIV)

In these lines is some of the deepest theology in Scripture. So that you can insignia of majesty.” (Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians, Grand Rapids: teach your teenaged friends some of the mystery of the nativity, let’s take a look Zondervan, reproduction of 1913 edition.) at these verses line by line. e) Prince and Pauper a) Copping An Attitude Mark Twain’s novel The Prince and The Pauper describes a son of Henry VIII This passage comes as part of Paul’s teaching concerning unity among believ- who temporarily changed positions with a poor boy in London. That story (your ers. Unity can only be achieved when people humble themselves and consider kids are likely familiar with the Disney film adaptation) illustrates this line of the needs of others before their own needs. Such humility is a choice – a mind- Scripture. Our Lord took on the form of a very lowly servant when he was born. set that doesn’t just happen naturally. A literal translation of this line is, “Keep (Note that the phrase, “the very nature of” in this line is the same phrase used thinking this among you, which [attitude] was also in Christ Jesus.” We cannot in line b.) He could have come as a full-grown man conquering the Romans have the same ministry Jesus had, but we CAN have the same attitude He did. and establishing His kingdom reign. But, he chose to enter human life as a helpless infant, born to a poor couple from a poor and obscure town. What a b) Before Christmas stellar example of humility! The verb “being” carries the sense of “existing” and is stated in the Greek present tense – denoting a continuing condition. Jesus didn’t exist as God and f) The Same, But Not The Same then stop being God at Christmas. He has continually existed as God. “In very Since angels also are servants, Paul makes clear that Jesus became human. nature” could be better translated “in the form [morphe] of” – meaning that His The word Paul used that’s translated “likeness” doesn’t mean “exactly the outward manifestation of being God corresponded to the essence of being God same” but stresses similarity and leaves room for differences. Although Jesus eternally. There was never a time that Jesus wasn’t God. became a genuine man, there were certain respects in which He was not absolutely like other men. For instance, He did not have a sin nature as all people c) Mine! It’s All Mine! do. And, He was both a man and God – nobody else can make that claim and Before the Nativity events occurred, Jesus was equal with the Father and Holy avoid the loony bin. Spirit. But, He resolved not to cling to that status. He had no need to grasp at equality with God, for He already possessed it. Jesus did not hold tightly to His The great humbling that culminated on the cross and guaranteed our salvation status – His fist did not clench His title; instead He held it with an open hand. began when Jesus did not hold tightly onto His status and existence as God. He emptied Himself, decided to have a servant’s role, and became a lowly d) Emptied baby. The exact “how’s” and “why’s” of that momentous event may never be The One who existed in the form of God emptied [ekenosen] Himself. Many fully understood this side of Heaven. theories try to define what He emptied Himself of, but here’s what we know. He did not empty Himself of “the form of God” (i.e., His deity) — He set aside the I guess that’s why Christmas remains a marvelous mystery. manner of existence as equal to God. The theologian and Bible commentator J. B. Lightfoot wrote, “He did not lay aside the divine attributes, but the

The Bible tells us that Joseph was Mary even in the face of her seeming A Righteous Dude a “righteous” man (Matthew 1:19). disloyalty to him. His commitment to Righteous. God doesn’t honor very the sanctity of marriage is part of what many people with that term. Righteous. made him “righteous.” Joseph’s righteousness was severely tested when he discovered that Mary It’s The Law was pregnant. There was more going Joseph had no option of giving Mary on in that situation than we realize. a second chance. Roman and Jewish While Luke focuses mostly on Mary, laws demanded that a man divorce Matthew’s gospel emphasizes Jesus’ his wife if she were guilty of adultery. purity by telling of the obedience of the Roman law actually viewed as a pimp family who raised Jesus. Here are a a husband that did not divorce his few of the issues that Joseph had to unfaithful wife, and viewed his wife as wrestle with—in a righteous way. a prostitute. Jewish law had a tradition of a death sentence by stoning of an Percolating Hormones adulteress—a law that was removed Jewish men in that era usually married from the books by the Romans who at the age of 18 to 20—right when a were the only ones who could pass guy’s hormones are percolating fero- down a death sentence. Apparently, ciously. In contrast, Jewish women adultery was a big deal in this culture, often married as soon as they reached and strictly illegal. For Joseph NOT to puberty. There was tremendous cul- divorce Mary after being visited by the tural pressure in Jewish society to angel meant that he was going against remain chaste before marriage; but the the culture and the law. Obeying God’s assumption then, like now, was “if a instructions rather than his society’s man and woman are alone together for made Joseph a righteous man. more than twenty minutes, they have had intercourse” (Delaney 1987:41). Saying “Goodbye” To Success Joseph was faithful to his future spouse Joseph’s reputation was at stake in this in advance, and he expected the same. situation. Unless he divorced Mary, oth- Even after they were officially married, ers would assume that he had gotten Joseph controlled his passions and Mary pregnant. If Joseph would have refrained from having sex with Mary divorced Mary publicly he could have until after Jesus was born (Matthew impounded her dowry, and maybe 1:25). Such self-control is a hallmark of been reimbursed for the bride price if Joseph’s character, and one reason he he paid one at betrothal. But he didn’t. earned the “righteous” tag. And because he didn’t divorce Mary, he would be an object of shame in a soci- A Blatant Betrayal ety dominated by the value of honor. That Joseph was planning to divorce Joseph’s obedience and compassion Mary further shows his righteousness. made him lose his reputation and with His actions showed his deep commit- it any chance of building a success- ment to marriage—he viewed infidelity ful business. In essence, Joseph was as unjust, and divorce as a way of dooming himself to a lifetime of being a protecting faithfulness in marriage. poor handyman, doing what little pick- Even though their marriage had not up work he could find. No one in that been consummated, their engagement culture would trust him with much. He was as legally binding as marriage, would not be able to build on his own and their relationship could only be father’s business. He would live a life of severed through divorce. When Mary’s unfulfilled hopes and dreams. pregnancy was discovered, Joseph could only do one thing in response to But, he would be one righteous dude! what seemed to him to be her dishonor of him: divorce her. He probably didn’t He would shape the character and know Mary well, and had little reason memories of the Son of God. He would to trust her innocence. In those days, teach Jesus his craft of woodwork. a wife’s adultery implied the husband’s He would be closer to Jesus than inadequacy or his family’s poor choice any other man on earth. He would of a mate (the marriage was “arranged” be blessed beyond measure, even by the husband’s family), and Mary’s if everyone he knew considered him unfaithfulness would have shamed unworthy of honor. God would call him Joseph and his family. But, Joseph “righteous” — and 2000 years later, so wanted to divorce her “quietly,” a deci- would we. sion that shows his compassion for

Judaism, and Zoroastrianism; and it’s found in But, we should not assume that the mere fact of a Assyrian, Babylonian, Egyptian, Greco-Roman and virgin birth would break the chain of sin. The unique Really. A Virgin? Hellenistic traditions. But, the specific incident of a circumstances associated with His birth help us to young woman being a virgin and yet giving birth to appreciate the fact that He was born without sin. Ask the kids in your youth ministry, deity is unique. Except in the case of Jesus Christ The Bible declares that He “knew no sin” “What makes the virgin birth such that way of birth had never happened before nor (2 Corinthians 5:21); and “in Him there is no sin” will it ever happen again. (1 John 3:5). Satan had nothing in Christ (John a big deal?” and you’re likely to 14:30); he has no claim on the sinless Son of God. be met with blank stares. Some of Warning! Theology ahead! Leon Morris rightly says: “Sin gives Satan his hold your super-spiritual kids might give on men, but there is no sin in Jesus as in others.” So, why is a virgin birth a part of Jesus’ story? (F.F. Bruce, Gen. Ed., The New International Commentary on an answer that mentions fulfilled The New Testament, 18 vols. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Though some scholars include revealing God, Publishing Company, 1984, Vol. IV: The Gospel According to prophecy or mumble something bridging the chasm between God and humankind, John, By Leon Morris, p. 660) about showing that Jesus is super- saving humankind, and rescuing the whole creation natural. But, today’s Christian teen- as the purposes of the virgin birth of Christ, they are Through the miraculous overshadowing of the actually the purposes of the incarnation of Christ. Holy Spirit, Jesus was born sinless. His conception ager is usually unaware of how The virgin birth was the means of the incarnation of served as a sign of the uniqueness of the Person absolutely fundamental and vital Christ. While the incarnation began at the birth of who was born. Jesus’ ��virgin birth and His deity are the virgin birth was in God’s plan Jesus and continues forever, the virgin birth lasted inseparably connected. If Christ were born in the of redemption. only a matter of hours. natural way—that is, if He had a human father—He could not be God. He would be just a human, The distinctive purpose of the virgin birth of Christ and would have inherited the sinful nature. Jesus The general concept of a miraculous birth—the was to free Him from the original sin in His incarna- is God—not because He is born of a virgin; but story of divinity entering the human experience tion. The ordinary processes of transmission of because He is God, His incarnation had to be by by the only doorway available to it—is found in racial heritage were interrupted in His case by the way of a virgin birth. many religions and secular traditions. It is found miraculous conception. in religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, So, yeah. A virgin birth. Really.

Leaders Guide: Session One Unplanned Pregnancies

years. Top-notch talent has been On this day, he won the “lottery” done something wrong in administer- Theme involved in every phase of production and got to offer incense. Right in ing the incense for the nation and Jesus; Birth of The Nativity Story. The screenplay the middle of Zechariah’s religious that the angel was going to harm isn’t a typical and predictable retell- activity before the whole nation in its him. When Gabriel told Zechariah ing of the Christmas narrative; it is an religious center, Gabriel appeared to about the unplanned pregnancy, Objective engaging re-creation of the events Zechariah. Five or six months later, Zechariah’s response was very Your students will identify with the from so long ago. in a small rural “truck stop” of a town human—he knew that he and his significant issues that Zechariah and in a region 45 to 85 miles north of wife were too old to conceive a child. Mary had to handle: fear and uncer- Jerusalem, Gabriel again appeared, Zechariah, as righteous as he was, tainty, faith and doubt. Transition this time to Mary. We don’t know needed to learn that God would do See how much your group knows the exact setting, but it surely was what He promised. Zechariah’s tem- about the “unplanned pregnancies” of vastly different from the temple in porary deaf/mute condition, a judg- Warm Up the nativity story. Discuss questions Jerusalem—a contrast between a ment from God, allowed the priest The week before this meeting you such as these: very public setting and a very private time to reflect on what he needed need to enlist your most outgoing one. Also note: Gabriel’s announce- to learn. Mary’s initial reaction to guy and girl to participate in a skit. What relationship to Jesus did John ment was to John’s father, and to Gabriel wasn’t about his appearance, The guy will play the role of bringing the Baptist have? Who were John’s Jesus’ mother. but his opening greeting. She had some news to the girl. Working with parents? What was the setting God • Similar Announcements (Luke no idea if what he said was good your two young friends, first come up used to announce to John’s father 1:13-17; 30-33, 35-37) – Gabriel news or not. After hearing Gabriel’s with some “juicy news” for the guy to that his wife would become pregnant? told Zechariah that his prayer had announcement, Mary’s response deliver. Make the “news” appropriate Who told John’s dad about what was been answered. Since Zechariah wasn’t disbelief, but she did wonder for your location and situation. For going to happen? What was the prob- and his wife had given up on having what would happen. Since she didn’t instance, the “news” could be, “The lem with John’s parents and preg- children, his prayer was probably know how God was going to create Chargers are going to the Super nancy? What happened to John’s dad concerning his nation’s hope of a a child within her, she asked, “How Bowl” or, “You’ve been accepted after he learned of God’s plan? Who Messiah. Even so, having a child WILL this be?” (Not, “How CAN to UC San Diego.” Once you’ve told Mary that she was going to be would fulfill a long-abandoned desire. this be?” which is basically what determined your “news” you need to pregnant? Where was Mary when she So God was actually answering two Zechariah wondered.) Mary’s faithful- brainstorm four or five ways that the learned of her impending pregnancy? requests at once—one national, the ness and obedient nature are seen in news can be communicated so that How did Mary respond to the news? other personal. (Here’s a nice side- her final statement to Gabriel, “I am the news takes on a different mean- lesson: sometimes God’s answers the Lord’s servant. May it be to me ing each time it’s told. For instance: to prayer come in surprising ways as you have said.” incredulous – “The Chargers are Bible Study long after we’ve stopped praying going to the Super Bowl?!?”; secretive Luke’s gospel tells of two announce- them.) Gabriel’s announcement to – “Psst. The Chargers are going to ments of two unplanned pregnancies. Wrap Up Zechariah included the position, the Super Bowl”; matter-of-fact – you The situations were vastly different; Explain that the contrast between character and mission of the child. get the idea. The girl should respond the responses were very different too. Zechariah’s and Mary’s responses When Gabriel talked with Mary, the appropriately to the news. Have this Hand out the Student Guides and use to Gabriel’s announcement isn’t a mood was very different. A simple “skit” occur at random times during this outline to contrast the announce- contrast between good and bad. Both calmness existed in the exchange the first part of your meeting. The guy ment to Zechariah and the announce- were godly people. We learn from between them. Gabriel’s announce- and girl should be wearing something ment to Mary. (Luke 1 is WAY too them that we can encounter God ment about Jesus included His posi- different each time they’re performing. deep to communicate here all the anywhere, at any time, in any circum- tion, His authority, and His divine ties. awesome truth it contains, so I’ve hit stance. We discover from them that Note that whereas Gabriel said that some of the highlights. Feel free to go fear, uncertainty and misunderstand- Zechariah’s prayer was answered, Movie Trailer further with your personal study.) ing are natural – and that we should he complimented Mary on her char- Show the trailer, and then announce have faith in the One for whom noth- • Different Settings (Luke 1:5-12; 26- acter and blessed position. your plans to see the movie as a 29) – Zechariah was one of 18,000 ing is impossible. We learn that God group. Explain that this isn’t just priests and served in the temple • Different Responses (Luke 1:12, answers prayer, that He works in the another cheesy Christmas movie, but twice a year, but only once in his life 18; 29, 34, 38) – Zechariah’s initial miraculous and supernatural, and that the work of a major Hollywood studio. would he get to assist in the daily startled reaction to the presence of sometimes He chooses an individual The mainstream movie industry hasn’t offering by going into the holy place. an angel then moved to abject fear. to work through. Close in prayer. created a film like this in maybe fifty He might have feared that he had

Unplanned Pregnancies

Take notes as you study Luke 1 to contrast and compare between how Zechariah and Mary responded to the announcement of unplanned pregnancies.

Zechariah Mary

Setting

Announcement

Response

interlinc-online.com • 1.800.725.3300 Page The Nativity Story 40

Leaders Guide: Session Two A Trip At The Worst Time

to see The Nativity Story together. right now” urge that women in ready for the real deal), Joseph Theme Emphasize the need to sign up and Mary’s condition have. Trying to and his relatives cleaned out the Family Relationships to bring friends. explain to strangers the whole situ- livestock area so that Mary could ation with Mary being pregnant, but have room for all the activity associ- not by Joseph. We cannot imagine ated with giving birth – and to keep Objective Transition the difficulties this young couple all the little kids—and men—from Your students will appreciate the love Engage your group in a discussion experienced on their journey. interfering with the process. The of what they know about Joseph and and relationship that they have with • Home For The Holidays – Once in women attended to her, while the Mary’s trip to Bethlehem and about their extended families. Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary would men waited, talked, and probably what the couple experienced there. have naturally gone to the home ate their version of junk food. We Warm Up of relatives. In their culture, family have no idea of how Mary’s labor was required to care for family, and went—we don’t know whether she It’s Crowded In Here – Kids love to Bible Study hospitality was expected, even to was in labor for hours and hours, if see how many people they can cram Hand out the Student Guides and strangers. The expecting couple there were “complications” that had into a small space. So, in this activity, have a student read Luke 2:1-7 probably settled into a crowded to be handled, or if she handled the give them several confined places aloud for the group. Then develop house with other relatives who were pain stoically or otherwise. But, we for them to fill with as many bodies your lesson around these talking in Bethlehem for the census. The do know that she gave birth to a son, as they can. For instance, go out into points. Based on my research, I’ve word “inn” in Luke 2:7 is not the wrapped him in clean cloth, and laid the church parking lot and see how taken a non-traditional look at the word that was used for a place of him in a manger. We can surmise many kids can fit into your car. Find situation there in Bethlehem at that public lodging. It is the word that that she wasn’t alone, but that the a small closet and see how many time, so proceed with caution. was used for “guest room” or “spare entire house was buzzing with every teenagers can fit inside. If you’re • A Trip At The Worst Time – Explain bedroom.” Unfortunately, we have bit of the joyous energy that the birth brave, you might even try to do this in about the trek to Bethlehem that a skewed vision of the situation of a child brings. a bathroom stall. You could make this Joseph and Mary took. We’re not there in Bethlehem. There wasn’t a a competitive adventure if your group exactly sure when they made the crowded inn with a surly innkeeper is large enough. Divide into teams Wrap Up trip. Everyone was ordered to report turning away a forlorn young couple that have more people on a team Emphasize the importance of “family” in at his or her hometown, but prob- just when they most needed assis- than could ever fit into your locations. during the Christmas season. The ably not all at once—otherwise, the tance. Imagine the situation—distant See which team can get the most emphasis we place on being with whole nation would grind to a halt relatives meeting Joseph’s new team members into the first location. our family for the holidays was what while everyone traveled. Joseph and wife, aunts and cousins helping her The winning team gets to go first in Joseph and Mary experienced when Mary had to deal with the stigma of deal with her condition, uncles and the second location — and so on. they were in Bethlehem. Instead of an unplanned pregnancy at home grandfathers giving Joseph good- Choose three or four locations, and being alone, shuffled off to a barn in Nazareth and probably welcomed natured ribbing about being a new let the kids have fun! or cave to deliver a baby, they were the chance to get out of town. They father. Love, warmth, and family sur- completely engulfed with extended might have arrived in Bethlehem rounded Joseph and Mary. weeks before the baby was due. family. Aunts, uncles, distant cousins, Transition Or, they might have arrived just as • Born In A Barn – During that era, several-times-removed in-laws—all Explain that some people like to be Mary’s pregnancy reached the full in most rural-ish homes (back of David’s descendants descended in tight quarters with others, but that term. We don’t know. However, even then, Bethlehem was a tiny cross- on Bethlehem and took up lodging sometimes we need our space. This if they traveled to Bethlehem some road community on the road to with relatives. The love and warmth was the situation that Joseph and time before the baby was due, their Jerusalem) families kept their few that Joseph and Mary experienced Mary encountered in Bethlehem trek (covering some 90 miles or livestock in a garage-type area that are what we should provide for our when the time came for Mary to give so—if the more direct route through was usually below the main house. own families. When Jesus was born, birth to her son. Samaria was bypassed—by foot Because the house was so crowded He came into the world as a part of a and/or on the back of a donkey) at that time, a place needed to be family—as one of us. Close by hav- The Video must have taken quite a bit of plan- prepared for Mary to deliver the ing your students thank God for their ning and effort. Walking all day. baby. When Mary went into pre- families, and for coming as a little Show the behind-the-scenes video Camping out at night or trying to labor (today we call mild pre-labor baby born in the midst of a family. from the Music Video Loop #55 find a place to stay. Dealing with pains “Braxton Hicks Contractions” DVD. Tell the group about the plans the “I have to go to the bathroom— – they help get the mother’s body

A Trip At The Worst Time

Luke 2:1-7 Take notes as you listen to the Bible study: A Trip At The Home For Born In A Barn Worst Time The Holidays

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42 Leaders Guide: Session Three

The Nativity Story A Child Is Born A Child Born

• How would you communicate most tradicts everything that people had to become a human. Jesus is the Theme effectively with someone who uses a previously thought about God, and best example of God we can see in Jesus’ Incarnation different language than you? was such a radical and illogical idea this life—so much so that if we reject • What makes a face-to-face con- that even today many people have a Jesus, then we are also rejecting versation more meaningful than a hard time accepting it. Some people God. If Jesus were not God, He Objective phone call or even a videochat? tried to resolve the logical problem could not save us. If He were not Your students will gain a deeper by saying that Jesus was not God. human, He could not pay our pen- understanding of the love that Others taught that Jesus wasn’t alty for us. We may not understand God showed when He became a Explain that God has used many really human. But, the apostle John exactly how He did it, but we recog- human being. different communication methods to tells us boldly that the Word became nize that our salvation depends on get His message across. He used flesh, and that He made His dwell- Jesus being both God and human. miracles, angels, and prophets to ing among us. This concept is so And since He experienced life as a Warm Up communicate to people. He used war important, he says, that anyone who human, we can be confident that He Communication Consternation and peace, drought and rain, nations teaches otherwise is an antichrist. understands us when we struggle – Pass out the Student Guides and and individuals—all in an effort This doctrine is one of the few that with our temptations. We can look to pencils. Give the group five minutes to communicate with humankind. the New Testament says is essential Him for the help and grace that we to write down as many methods or However, until He was born as an to the faith. need to live as He did. Jesus is the means of communicating as they can infant human – until His “incarnation” • What The Incarnation Meant To God perfect role model for us. think of. You can give them some – God’s communication efforts were (Matthew 4:2; John 1:14; 4:6; 14:6; ideas such as, skywrite or telephone. one-way, removed, and fairly indirect. 19:28; Mark 13:32) – Jesus began Have some music playing in the In the rest of this session we will look Wrap Up life as a fetus, completely helpless background as they work. When the closely at how God became one of How you finish this session will be and dependant upon Mary to devel- time is up, choose a student to read us, and the importance that has for determined by the kind of group you op into an infant. Like all babies, his or her list aloud. If other students our faith. have. You may want to conclude He cried when He was hungry and have a same communication method with a group prayer of praise and fussed when He was uncomfortable. on their list, then everyone crosses thanksgiving for the sacrifice that He learned to crawl, walk, run, and that item off. Have another student Bible Study Jesus made to become human. You talk as all children do. In the process read the items remaining on his or Use the “Really. A Virgin?” and “The might consider explaining the Gospel of learning, Jesus would have made her list aloud, and continue until Humbling Starts Here” articles to give clearly, and inviting students to begin mistakes. Imagine the frustration everyone has read their list. Award you some insight about how impor- their relationship with God. Choose a of being the unlimited God of the the winner(s)—student(s) that have tant the fact is that Jesus is both God closing that fits your needs. Universe, stuck in a human body! the most “unique” communication and man—a sinless man, who is also Even though Jesus made factual methods left—with an appropriate God. In this lesson, you’ll be covering mistakes while learning, He never award(s) or prize(s). some deep theology and will need to understand the issues involved. Use made moral mistakes. He never these talking points to organize your committed a sin – in fact, He didn’t Transition thoughts and presentation. As you have a sin nature, thanks to being Generate some discussion around teach, have the kids take notes on born of a virgin. Although Jesus these kinds of questions: their Student Guides. didn’t know everything (see Mark 13:32), He knew His limitations, • What “Incarnation” Means (John • What’s your favorite form of com- and He did not teach errors. He is 1:1-14; 2 John 1:7) – God, who munication? IM? Videochat? the Truth. Cellphone? Smoke signals? has existed everywhere, in all times simultaneously, who knows all, who • What The Incarnation Means To Us • What do you do when you want to is all powerful and all-everything, (Hebrews 4:14-16) – Jesus is God make sure that your message is chose to become a human being. in the flesh—a God-man. Jesus conveyed properly? He chose to be born as a helpless shows us that God is not just an • Would you agree or disagree that we infant, and lived His life in the con- idea or a list of doctrines, but a living do a lot of our communicating with- fines of a human body. The immortal being who wants a relationship with out saying a word? Explain. became mortal. The Creator became us. To make this relationship possi- as one of the created. This idea con- ble, the Son of God humbled Himself

A Child Is Born

Communication What’s It Mean? What “Incarnation” Means What The Incarnation Meant To God What The Incarnation Means To Us Consternation John 1:1-14; 2 John 1:7 Matthew 4:2; John 1:14; 4:6; 14:6; Hebrews 4:14-16 Write down as many methods or 19:28; Mark 13:32 means of communicating as you can think of. You’ll score a point for each “unique” communication method left on your list once everyone has read what he or she has written.

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