LoginHome » Ministers' resources » Worship Resources » Studies » Advent 2003 » Part 1
Part 1: A Modern Nativity
It was a crisp winter's day when Gabby turned into the final street of her postal round. She looked at the letters for No. 77 and decided to take them to the door. She knew how important one of them was to her friend Mary. The door opened and for a while the friends just stood and looked at each other not saying a word. Then with a trembling hand Mary took the letters and stared at the one with the hospital logo in the corner. She and her partner had been trying so hard for a baby. Every traditional treatment had failed. But the specialists had suggested an experimental fertilisation programme and after months of tests and treatment they now would know whether she was indeed pregnant.
“No!” Mary gasped, “ I can't open it. You do it for me.”
Gabby tore open the envelope and read in silence for a few moments before throwing her arms around Mary.
“You've done it. You're pregnant!”
“Oh I must be the luckiest woman alive.”
Later when she finally came down to earth Mary picked up the rest of the mail. Among the bills and advertising one letter caught her attention. She was sure it was her mother's handwriting.
“Mum never writes” she thought.
She opened the letter hurriedly and read,
“… Your father has been diagnosed with cancer. We know that you must stay near the hospital for the tests. We don't want anything to jeopardise the precious baby. But we had hoped we could have the family together for Christmas. Still I'm sure you will find time to ring”.
Mary sat stunned for a while and then began to cry. Later that evening she talked over the news with Joe. The joy and sadness mingled together in a flood of emotion. They rang home and though they talked for some time the distance between the homes seemed vast. Despite wanting to rush home they couldn't see how they could get away.
God sent the angel Gabriel to the town of Nazareth in Galilee with a message for a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to Joseph from the family of King David. The angel greeted Mary and said, "You are truly blessed! The Lord is with you." Mary was confused by the angel's words and wondered what they meant. Then the angel told Mary, "Don't be afraid! God is pleased with you, and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus. Luke 1:26-31
The Parents
Probably the key players in the story are the parents. Both Mary and Joseph get a surprise when a angel tells them of the imminent birth.
Mary Luke 1:26-38
Joseph Matthew 1:18-24
- What feelings would they have about the birth?
In my story the parents were involved in fertility programme.
- Where are the parents today?
- What situations would a birth be a surprise?
- When would a birth be unwelcome?
The Angels
The news of the birth is brought by angels. Sometimes alone, sometimes they are in a large group-a host. Angels bring news to:
Mary - Luke 1:26-38
Joseph- Matthew 1:20-21
Zechariah - Luke 1:10-20
Shepherds - Luke 2:9-14
Wise Ones - Matthew 2:13
- What is the reaction to the presence of angels?
- How do you imagine the angels would appear?
In my story news is brought by the postie. Claus Westermann has written a book “God's angels need no wings”. He points out that an angel is simply a messenger from God. In the bible such messengers often are men and women.
- Where are the angels - messengers of God today?