Marking Time: Forming Spirituality through the Christian Year

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Mark i ng T ime : Formi ng Sp i r i tua l i t y through the Chr i s t i an Year

3. Its meaning in Jesus’ history : the pre-incarnate Word, only begotten Son of God in glory

4. The Season of the Church Year : Advent, the Coming of Christ. Advent anticipates the First and Second Comings of our Lord. God’s prophets foretold his Coming, and angels announced his birth to Mary and the shepherds. We affirm God’s promise fulfilled in the arrival of Messiah in Bethlehem.

5. As to Spiritual Formation : As we await the One who is coming, let us proclaim and affirm our sure and certain hope of deliverance.

B. Christmas : the Word made flesh

1. Biblical framework : In the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the Lord God has come into the world; he is Immanuel, “God with us,” Isa. 7.14.

2. Exemplar Scripture references

a. Immanuel, Matt. 1.20-23 (ESV) – But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. [21] She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” [22] All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: [23] “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

b. The Word made flesh, John 1.14-18 (ESV) – And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have