The Christmas Story Through African EyesSample
No Ordinary King
From an Africa Study Bible application note:
God promised King David that he would install one of his descendants as a future King who would rule the nations of the world (Micah 5:2; Revelation 1:5). This King would be “the Son of David”, from David’s tribe of Judah, born in Bethlehem (Matthew 20:30; Romans 1:3). This King is Jesus. At his birth, wise men from eastern lands came asking “Where is the new-born king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2). The angels also told the shepherds, “The Saviour—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Luke 2:11).
Jesus was a unique King, filled with God’s Spirit, who laid down his life for his people, offered himself as a sacrifice for their sin, and conquered the power of sin and death. His Kingdom is also unique, for it is a Kingdom of service and sacrificial love. God appointed Jesus as King of kings, and we can freely and fully submit to his authority.
Today:
We often want to be like the kings of this world seeking our own status and wealth rather than submitting to God’s reign and living in humility and sacrifice like our king Jesus. Following Christ’s example, who could you serve today?
About this Plan
The shame of barrenness. Diviners. Village obscurity. A child’s naming ceremony. A king’s shocking bloodline. Supernatural dreams. This advent season, fresh African insights illuminate the Bible’s timeless tale. Learn from the continent’s cultures, early theologians, and today’s Christian leaders. Journey through the whole Christmas story, from prophecies about Christ through Matthew, John, and Luke’s nativities. You won’t see the Christmas story the same way again.
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