Christmas Story

What happens?

Gabriel announces to Mary that she is chosen, and she accepts her role (Annunciation)
Mary visits Elizabeth and they share joy (Visitation)
Mary sings her praise (Magnificat)
Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem
Jesus is born in a manger in Bethlehem
Gabriel and the heavenly host tell shepherds that Jesus the messiah has been born
The shepherds come to the manger to see Jesus and tell Mary and Joseph what they had heard

What Scholars Say

The humble circumstances of the birth of Jesus are a signal that all are welcome to share in the joy of the birth of Jesus.

The birth in the manger is part of Luke’s theme of reversal—the turning upside down of established social and spiritual hierarchies.

Personal Questions

Am I open to God’s grace the way that Mary was?
Do I express goodwill toward those around me?
If God’s light shines in the most unlikely of places, can I stay alert to that light?

Newborn in Lantern Light – Lyrics

In Nazareth young Mary dwelled,
A hush lay warm on stone and sod.
She turned as light streamed through the air,
An angel’s voice filled her with awe:
“Mary, favored one, take heart—
you will bear the Son of God.” (you will bear the Son of God)

Her body trembled, eyes grown wide,
“How can this be?” she softly cried.
Then courage rose to still her fear:
“I am the servant of the Lord;
Let it be as your word.” (Let it be as your word.)

The road to Elizabeth stretched long,
Mary walked steady, firm, and strong.
She traveled to joy she’d not yet known,
Where faith and hope would join her own.

Zechariah’s house in sunlight stood,
Mary called, her greeting clear.
Elizabeth felt her child leap glad.
And joy broke bright for all to hear.
“Blessed are you,” she cried in faith,
“And blessed the life that’s drawing near.”
Two mothers laughed, hearts aware —
God’s living promise quickened there.

My soul magnifies the Lord,
My spirit springs, my heart takes wing.
The Mighty One has done great things,
And holy is His Name I sing.
The humble find His mercy sure,
The hungry filled, the proud laid low.
His kindness makes glad hearts blaze,
And voices rise in songs of praise.

When Mary turned again for home,
The hills lay gold beneath the sun.
Her heart was full, her spirit strong,
Her faith alive, her song begun.

To Bethlehem, by Caesar’s will,
Mary and Joseph journeyed long.
The road was hard, the daylight done,
Hearts fast yet strength near gone.

Her time had come, yet no room still,
Nothing prepared but Heaven’s will.
No hearth to warm, no bed to rest,
Just humble straw for holy guest.

Then God’s own blessing came in sight,
For Jesus Christ was born that night.
A newborn’s cry in lantern glow,
Embraced, then laid in manger low.

Shepherds in fields under dark sky,
Keeping watch in long night’s chill.
No sound but a lamb’s faint cry,
The stars above sharp and still.

Till radiance burst and air turned bright,
A voice called out from heaven’s height:
“Good news and joy I bring this morn,
A Savior, the Messiah, has been born.”
Then heaven erupted all at once,
A thousand voices joined as one:
“Glory to God—His peace we bring,
On earth goodwill, His favor known.”

The shepherds knelt, by fear undone,
Heaven’s light upon each face shone.
They turned to one another: “Come—
Let’s see the wonder God has done.”

The shepherds hurried through the night,
Hearts echoing the angels’ word.
They found the child by lantern light,
And spoke the message they had heard.
A few who listened paused in awe,
Still weighing news so strange, so near.
Mary held dear these words apart,
And pondered all within her heart.

Let this birth renew my heart today,
And steady me in grace, I pray.
As Christ brings hope to every land,
Let me bring goodwill by my own hand.

Let me bring goodwill by my own hand.

As Christ brings hope to every land,
Let me bring goodwill by my own hand.

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