Journey to the Manger

Synopsis

Journey to the Manger explores the New Testament's various accounts of the birth of Jesus: their origins in Old Testament prophecies, the genealogies, the angelic announcements, the journeys and arrivals, and the aftermath of Jesus' birth for the powerful and the poor alike. Although many biblical scholars have puzzled over historical details in the accounts, Paula Gooder argues that doing this risks missing the point. Engaging seriously with biblical and historical criticism, she uncovers key similarities running through the Gospel writers' accounts and focuses on their shared understanding of the significant events they describe. Her detailed exploration of the texts is a goldmine for preaching and teaching, and will breath new life into the familiar Christmas stories heard year after year in churches, carol services and nativity plays. Devotional reflections and discussion questions also make this ideal for personal and group study. Biblical Explorations is an exciting series from bestselling author and scholar Paula Gooder that offers an accessible and informed study of the best loved texts in Scripture. Rooted in the conviction that greater understanding of the Bible leads to deeper discipleship, it is an essential resource for preachers, teachers and study group leaders, as well as those who simply wish to get to know the Bible better.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Annunciation

* Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel and told that she will give birth to Jesus, the Son of God.
* Example: "The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, saying, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.'"

Chapter 2: The Visitation

* Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist.
* Example: "Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth."

Chapter 3: The Birth of John the Baptist

* John the Baptist is born to Elizabeth and Zechariah.
* Example: "Now Elizabeth's full time came that she should be delivered, and she brought forth a son."

Chapter 4: Joseph and Mary's Journey to Bethlehem

* Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem for the census.
* Example: "Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David."

Chapter 5: The Birth of Jesus

* Jesus is born to Mary in a stable in Bethlehem.
* Example: "And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger."

Chapter 6: The Shepherds Visit the Baby Jesus

* Shepherds are visited by angels and told about the birth of the Messiah.
* Example: "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night."

Chapter 7: The Magi Visit the Baby Jesus

* Three wise men follow a star to Bethlehem and find the baby Jesus.
* Example: "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem."

Chapter 8: Joseph and Mary's Return to Nazareth

* Joseph and Mary return to Nazareth with the baby Jesus.
* Example: "When Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, 'Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel.'"

Chapter 9: The Flight to Egypt

* Joseph and Mary flee to Egypt with the baby Jesus to escape Herod's wrath.
* Example: "Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under."

Chapter 10: The Return to Nazareth

* After Herod's death, Joseph and Mary return to Nazareth with the baby Jesus.
* Example: "But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, 'Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel.'"