This is the first part of our Christmas 2024 study, looking at the hidden treasures in the Christmas narrative we can find when we look beyond the tradition.
This study was taught by Pastor Bob Forder, founding pastor of Deal Christian Fellowship (https://dcf.church), and part of the Europe Regional Oversight Team for Calvary Chapel Association. (https://calvarycca.org/international-region-europe)
Jesus said that tradition undermines God’s Word. That has never been truer than in regard to the Christmas narrative that almost all of us have grown up with.
As we study God’s Word, we discover that the traditional timing of Christ’s birth is wrong; the traditional setting is wrong, and the traditional attendees at the birth of Christ are at best, confused.
In this two-part study we ask the questions:
- Why was Bethlehem chosen as the birthplace for Jesus? (Why not Jerusalem?)
- Do we know anything about the shepherds to whom the angels appeared the night of Jesus’ birth? Why were they chosen of all people?
- Who really were the Magi? What do we know about them and why did they travel to see Jesus?
We pray that the stunning answers to these questions will fill you with a greater love for God’s Word and a desire to faithfully serve Him!
The slides accompanying these studies are available for free download.
