Christmas Eve 2016 (3)

In one paragraph

This was the Christmas Eve service at First B Jackson, built around Scripture readings that trace the full nativity story, from the prophets through the wise men. The pastor wove together the readings, congregational singing, and a candle lighting ceremony to make one central point: Jesus is the light of the world, born to rescue people from darkness and death. The evening was designed to be...

Read together

1. John 8:12 Jesus declares himself the light of the world, quoted twice during the service
2. Isaiah 9:6-7 prophecy of the child to be born, read as part of the Christmas scripture readings
3. Micah 5:2 prophecy that a ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem
4. Matthew 1:18-23 the birth of Jesus, Joseph's dream and the angel's message about Emmanuel
5. Luke 2:1-7 the census, the journey to Bethlehem, and the birth of Jesus
6. Luke 2:8-20 the angels appearing to the shepherds and their visit to the manger
7. Matthew 2:1-11 the wise men following the star and presenting gifts to Jesus
8. John 3:16 cited to illustrate that God is the most generous giver
9. John 1:5 the light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot extinguish it, said during the candle lighting
10. Matthew 5:14-16 you are the light of the world, used as a closing encouragement to let Christ's light shine

Talk about it

1. The service opened with the Advent Christ candle and the words from John 8:12 that Jesus is the light of the world. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus came as light into darkness, and where do you most need that light right now?
2. The Christmas story was read from Matthew and Luke, including the responses of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men. Which of those responses do you most identify with, and why?
3. The wise men joyfully gave gifts to Jesus when they found him. What does it look like in your own life to give out of joy rather than obligation?
4. The candle lighting illustrated our call to carry the light of Christ to the people around us. Who in your life is the person you most need to let that light shine toward, and what has held you back?
5. The service closed with John 1:5, that the darkness can never extinguish the light of Christ. What darkness, personal or in the world around you, do you find hardest to believe that promise against?