Christmas Playlist Week 3: Silent Night Message Summary: Thoughtful Christians serious question some of the lyrics of this classic carol. Was that night really silent? Was it all that calm giving birth in a barn? But while we might question those assumptions, we have zero doubts about the miracle of that night—a virgin mother holding a holy infant. Only a God of power and love could accomplish the miracle of that (perhaps) silent night. ✦ People want Christmas to be magical. ✦ Luke 1:30-35 — The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. ✦ Luke 2:6,7 — While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. ✦ Luke 2:19 — But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ✦ The miracle is what makes Christmas magical. ✦ Verse 1 — Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace. ✦ Verse 2 — Silent night, holy night, Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia Christ the Savior is born, Christ he Savior is born ✦ Verse 3 — Silent night, holy night, Son of God love’s pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With dawn of redeeming grace Jesus Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus Lord, at Thy birth ✦ The miraculous makes every Christmas meaningful. ✦ Galatians 4:4-7 — But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Planting Jesus Roots GATHER — There are seven Christmas Eve options at 922 (including Christmas Eve Eve at The CORE.) Do you know which one will you attend? Join us at St. Peter at 9am on Christmas Day as well. Find all of the service times and livestream options on our church app or online (my922.info or 922ministries.com/christmas). GROUP — Is someone from your Life Group not going home this Christmas? Does everyone in your group have someone to go to church with this next week? Check in with your group and invite them to join you at one of our many worship services. GROW — Listen to Silent Night at least five times this week. As you enjoy the music, focus on the message of who Jesus is and what he did for you. GIVE — Thank God for his indescribable gift! Consider a special offering to our “Max the Match” campaign…Just two weeks remain! GO — It’s time to invite just one person to join you on Christmas Eve. Reach out this week, before holiday schedules are booked, and invite someone to hear the good news of Jesus’ birth. Homework: Luke 2:1-20