Adult
• 5 Sessions of Learner’s Materials
• 5 Sessions of Teaching Materials
• 5 Handouts
1. Matthew 24:36-44
2. Matthew 3:1-12
3. Matthew 11:2-11
4. Matthew 1:18-25
5. Matthew 2:13-23
The year should reflect the biblical and historical stories that make each of our days special in their dedication to God. So, it is appropriate to begin our new year with an Advent celebration that takes us on a journey to Bethlehem.
Session 1: Jesus' statement "Stay Awake" seems absurd for many of us who are fascinated with the future. We are wide awake and standing on tiptoes straining to prepare for the future. So what does this passage have to do with us and how we handle the future and live in the present?
Session 2: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near (3:2)," our apathy and cynicism surface. We have heard it before; it seems just another religious slogan. Yet, these words were not composed in some Fortune 500 company board room or in a religious denominational office. They were not designed for bumper stickers or calendars. A wild-eyed prophet inspired by God's Spirit drove these words into the hearts of his listeners. These words are powerful. They challenge listeners today to be transformed and to seek ways of changing the world around them.
Session 3: Are we seeing and hearing Jesus for who he really is? Have we forced some pieces together and even improvised in order to get a picture we like? Especially at this time of Advent, with the many images of Jesus being portrayed, it helps to take a fresh look at this person called Jesus, the Messiah.
Session 4: A careful and detailed reading of Matthew 1:18-25 reveals unique themes that the author has reserved especially for a close reading. In such a reading, we may be surprised to discover that, though the birth of Jesus forms the heart of this story, we are also asked to consider how God's will is revealed to us and how we will respond to this revelation.
Session 5: Before we put away Christmas and its story, perhaps we need a reminder that the birth of Jesus was only the beginning. The birth had immediate effects on Mary and Joseph and deadly consequences for the entire town of Bethlehem. It meant life-and-death decisions. It meant flight and fear, trust and providence. The birth of Jesus is not an event to be tucked away into storage. Pondering the birth of Christ can move us to face the world with a greater awareness of God's love and presence in it. Likewise, the ruthless events surrounding the birth of Jesus can help us to reflect on God's providence in this age of violence.
by David May
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