The Order of Worship

Music Ministry Team:  Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Matthew Leone, Rene Vazquez

Worship Team:  Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden

Technology Team:  Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger

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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:

Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace and goodwill among people!”

Luke writes his story of Jesus to share the truth about Jesus and the true way to peace. Jesus is presented as a clear alternative to Caesar, who claimed to be the Son of God and the Prince of Peace. Caesar’s claims were based on military might and victory that suppressed opposition and established an order that benefitted the few while exploiting the many. From the beginning of Jesus’ story in Luke we meet one who is under the direction of God’s Spirit (mentioned five times in the first two chapters alone) and has a special affinity for ordinary people who are largely exploited and overlooked by the powers to be (note the way Luke emphasizes the role of Mary and the shepherds and Jesus’ humble origins in a stable).

Questions for Reflection:

• Compare Matthew and Luke’s nativity stories. List the differences in their tales of Jesus’ birth.

• The Bible invites us to go beneath the surface and reflect on the meaning and relevance of ancient, sacred stories as they connect with the lives of each new generation. How do you understand the relevance and meaning of a Savior born to a peasant, in a stable and visited not by kings but by lowly shepherds?

• Luke’s nativity is worshipful and lyrical. Luke incorporates four hymns in the nativity story: Mary’s Song of Praise (1:46-55), Zechariah’s Prophetic Proclamation (1:67-79), the Gloria of the angel choir (2:14) and Simeon’s Blessing (2:29-32). Salvation is a theme of these hymns. The Hebrew word for salvation has roots similar to “broadening” and “expanding”. Salvation is a deliverance from an oppressed place, regime, or condition of being into the broad safety net of liberation and right relationship with God. How does Jesus represent this understanding of salvation in your life?

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