Christmas 2017 Message at Donors Gathering

Isaiah 40:5

Introduction

• Speaker's first visit to Israel in 1975
• Christmas time trip with Dr. Ralph Alexander, a Fulbright scholar and Hebrew specialist

• Last evening in Israel, a gift of an olive wood nativity scene to Ralph and Myrna Alexander
• Ralph's humorous comment about the three wise men not being there the first night

Nativity Scene and Christmas Narratives

• The nativity scene's representation of characters from Christmas narratives
• Matthew and Luke's accounts of the Christmas story

Differences in Matthew and Luke's Accounts

• Purpose of Accounts:
  • Matthew focuses on Joseph and the legal son of Joseph via adoption
  • Luke focuses on Mary and the physical son of Mary via incarnation
• Themes:
  • Matthew emphasizes the kingdom
  • Luke emphasizes redemption
• Validation of the Gospel:
  • Matthew connects to Old Testament prophecy
  • Luke highlights the supernatural conception by the Holy Spirit
• Visitors:
  • Matthew: Gentile wise men from afar
  • Luke: Jewish shepherds nearby
• Settings:
  • Luke: Jesus born in a barn
  • Matthew: Jesus honored in a house
• Adoration:
  • Matthew: Tangible gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh
  • Luke: Intangible glory of the shepherds' worship
• Guidance:
  • Matthew: Appearance of a star
  • Luke: Heavenly chorus of angels

Responses of Faith

• Joseph's Righteousness:
  • Planned to divorce Mary quietly
  • Obediently named Jesus as instructed by the angel
• Mary's Faith:
  • Accepted the angel's message with faith
  • Responded, "Be it unto me according to thy word"

Humility and Inclusivity of the Gospel

• Common trait of humility among Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men, and angels
• Recognition that finding Christ is not through their own power but through divine guidance

Childlike Faith

• Jesus’ teaching on childlike faith as a requirement to enter the kingdom of heaven
• Example of children reciting Luke 2:8-11

Impact of the Gospel

• Replacement of Fear with Comfort:
  • Angel's message to the shepherds
• Good News for All:
  • From despondency to joy
  • From isolated Israel to international mission
• Savior's Birth:
  • Fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies
  • Personal reorientation under the Lordship of Christ

Final Reflections

• Central event in human history: the birth of Christ
• Challenge to understand and share the significance of Christ’s birth

Closing Remarks

• Importance of humility and service

Prayer

• Prayer for guidance, provision, and the impact of the seminary's ministry

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.