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FULL WRITTEN TRANSCRIPT CHRISTMAS-- THE REAL STORY
The real story starts on the other side of the world and far, far in the past; centuries before Jesus was even born! The Christmas story is a story of prophets and promises; and of messengers who told an amazing future far in the distance. In Israel, there was a strange, glorious hope that had lasted a thousand years. It was a hope spoken only in hushed whispers and only the purest of heart believed. …One day God Himself, would come in the flesh and walk among people. ….When He came, He would be known by many names, but most of all, He would be known as THE MESSIAH. –Which means savior and ruler of all! Seven hundred years went by, powerful nations rose, and fell, and Israel suffered under them all; and still, there was no sign that God was coming. But now, there was a strange sense all over the world that something was about to happen. All across the Middle East, ancient beliefs of a great King were being told again. The teachings said this King of kings would come out of Israel. And He would change the world! Even the mighty Roman Empire who ruled the entire world, had heard the whispers. Someone very special was coming.
Meanwhile, far from Israel,in the land of the Medes, lived a special tribe known everywhere, as the wisest of the wise. They were experts in many things; especially—in the stars. They were called, “the Magi.” The Magi knew every star in the sky. But recently, a new star graced the heavens, shining brighter every day. The Magi knew of only one writing that told of such a thing… it was an ancient promise to Israel; the Messiah. So the Magi began their journey from the land we know today as Iran. For a thousand miles, they followed the star; over the rugged peaks of Persia, and through the endless sands of Arabia. They pressed on until they reached Jerusalem, the Holy City of Israel. In the southern edge of Jerusalem, stood the great palace of Herod, with its four giant towers, bathhouse, theater and many banquet rooms. It was beautiful; …but King Herod was not! He took the throne of Israel through dark treachery. He wasn’t even of the family to become king. And cheaters always live in fear; so he was always on his guard, suspecting everyone else of equal treachery. –And that made him very evil and very dangerous; even to his own children. But when the Magi arrived in Jerusalem, they didn’t know this, and so they did the natural thing; they went to the King of Israel to find out more about this promise to Israel. They told the king of the prophecy and asked for help. But Herod did not know the teachings of his own people and the Magi and he was disturbed by their news. …But the king played it well; quickly he hid his true feelings and pretended to welcome this new “King of kings”. “Go” he said to the Magi, “You are free to search my land. But I ask one thing; when you find Him, come back and tell me where He is.” “I too wish to worship Him” he said with a sly smile. But secretly, he planned to do away with the baby. A rightful king, even a newborn, was too much of a threat. So, being fooled into thinking Herod meant well, the Magi agreed and continued following the star. It seemed so close now. They followed the road south from the palace until they came to the shepherd village of Bethlehem.
Meanwhile, far up in the north of Israel, a young girl, still in her teens, lived in the town of Nazareth. Mary was known for having a deep belief in God. She was soon to marry a man named Joseph. Joseph also, was a good person and he loved Mary very much. It was a night like any other, Mary was preparing for bed after a long and busy day. But as she was about to lay down a bright light that seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at the same time, filled her room. And in the middle of the light was a person… no not just a person, an angel. And the angel began speaking to Mary. “Rejoice, highly favored one of God. You are the most blessed woman in the world.” “Me? Highly favored? Most blessed? What is this angel talking about?” Mary thought this in her head but didn’t dare say a word; she just sat there …and shook. The angel smiled and said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. You are going to have a baby in a way unlike any woman ever has, or ever will again. God Himself, will put the spark of life in you. And when the baby is born, you will name Him Jesus. He will be King of kings forever.” And when the angel had finished explaining, Mary bowed and said, “I am God’s servant. I will play my part in God’s great plan.” Mary became pregnant, just as the angel Gabriel (for that was his name), had said. But the promises and prophecies from long ago seemed confusing; this Messiah king would be born in Bethlehem, which was way down south, and yet He would also be from Nazareth which was way up north. How could He be from both places? Well, God knew exactly what He was doing. At this very time, the emperor Caesar, decided to count all his subjects in Israel. To do this, every man and his family, had to go back to the hometown of their ancestors. Joseph was from the line of King David, and David’s home had been Bethlehem. So Joseph and Mary began the week-long journey all the way to Bethlehem.
By this time, Mary was nearly ready to have the baby so the trip to Bethlehem was no fun at all. But they made it, and as they say; the rest is history: That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with glory. They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them.``Don't be afraid!'' he said. ``I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior--yes, the Messiah-- has been born tonight in Bethlehem! …You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket, lying in a manger!'' They ran to the village and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said and everyone was amazed at the story! (Luke 2:6-18) At nearly the same time, the Magi following the star, reached Bethlehem. The star came to rest over the place where Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were now staying. Mary and Joseph were stunned at the sight of these new visitors! There stood the Magi in their regal robes! And when they saw the baby Jesus, they worshipped Him by bowing their faces to the ground. Then, one by one, they presented gifts to the baby. · The first offered gold, the traditional gift to a king · The second offered rare frankincense. This was a curious gift, because it was incense for a priest, not a king. · The third gave myrrh which was a disturbing gift! This was burial spice for one who had died, not for someone newly born. But the Magi knew the ancient prophecies. This was no ordinary king! He was a Priest-King who would one day sacrifice Himself for all humanity. The gifts were exactly right!
The Magi were just about to return to Jerusalem when the angel appeared to them. “Herod has no plans to worship,” the angel said, “He plans to harm the baby. Go home another way.”
Upon hearing this shocking news, the Magi readily agreed and avoided Jerusalem altogether. Herod never did find Jesus; which isn’t surprising, because God’s promises can never be stopped. Jesus grew up and lived his life, just as God said.
….But that’s a story for another time, because, the end of this story is just the beginning! …The real story of CHRIST-mas is this; …Christ! …Christ is; the Messiah!
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