We are gathered here this evening to celebrate the eve of the birth of Christ, a new kind of Man

O Come, All Ye Faithful (142: 1,2,3) O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born as told by angels Refrain: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

O Come, All Ye Faithful (142: 1,2,3) Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning Jesus, to Thee be glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. Refrain: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

O Come, All Ye Faithful (142: 1,2,3) Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest Refrain: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

"…But I will settle him in My house and in My kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever." 15 According to all these words and according to all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David. 1 Chronicles 17:14-15

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

Luke 1:26-38

Matthew 1:18-25

Roman census declaration

Nazareth

Bethlehem Jericho Jerusalem

Nazareth Bethlehem Jericho Jerusalem

Nazareth Bethlehem Jericho Jerusalem

Nazareth Bethlehem Jericho Jerusalem

Residents’ living area Overnight stable for the animals kataluma: separate room for guests created by a temporary wall & either a carved or natural cave

Residents’ living area Overnight stable for the animals

Residents’ living area Overnight stable for the animals

Residents’ living area Overnight stable for the animals kataluma: separate room for guests created by a temporary wall & either a carved or natural cave

The right distance for an “inn” would have been along this circle, & on a primary trade route – Bethlehem was not on a primary trade route

Shepherds watching flocks at night; Bethlehem in the distance

Matthew 2:1-12

Matthew 2:13-15

We are gathered here this evening to celebrate the eve of the birth of Christ, a new kind of Man

Hark the Herald Angels Sing (143: 1,2,3) Hark the herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled" Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With the angelic host proclaim: "Christ is born in Bethlehem" Hark! The herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King!"

Hark the Herald Angels Sing (143: 1,2,3) Christ by highest heav'n adored Christ the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come Offspring of a Virgin's womb Veiled in flesh the Godhead see Hail the incarnate Deity Pleased as man with man to dwell Jesus, our Emmanuel Hark! The herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King!"

Hark the Herald Angels Sing (143 :1,2,3) Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings Ris'n with healing in His wings Mild He lays His glory by Born that man no more may die Born to raise the sons of earth Born to give them second birth Hark! The herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King!"