Jesus’ birth seemed to take everyone by surprise—including his own mother. His identity as the messiah certainly thwarted people’s expectations. Many had predicted that the messiah would be a Jewish commander who would save his people and grant them an eternally peaceful kingdom. In the new covenant, those predictions about the messiah had to be reexamined and, for believers in Jesus Christ, reinterpreted.

Christmas begins with an angel’s messages, unexpected pregnancies, the struggle for liberation, quiet moments of reflection, and the realization that God keeps promises. Our hope and joy are expressed in the songs and stories surrounding the manger. Our love and appreciation for God is deepened when we read the Nativity stories, when we remember five love stories that mark the birth of a new covenant.

NextSunday Resources provides adult Bible studies on a wide range of topics, all of which are useful for individual or group study. A printed Study Guide offers four, five or six lessons with in-depth commentary and Bible background material. A free, downloadable Teaching Guide features a wealth of options, questions and ideas for teaching each lesson.

Materials Included

• 5 Sessions of Learner’s Materials

• 5 Sessions of Teaching Materials

• 5 Handouts

Sessions Included

1. Holy Surprises

2. To Believe or Not Believe

3. The Song of Mary

4. Two Births

5. A Name's Effect

Age Group

Adult

Scriptures

1. Luke 1:5-13; 24-38

2. Luke 1:8-23

3. Luke 1:46-55

4. Luke 1:57-58; 2:1-7

5. Luke 1:59-66; 2:21