The Christmas Story Through African EyesSample
Sinless from the Start
From an Africa Study Bible proverbs and stories note:
The Bible clearly teaches that Mary was a virgin who became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:34-35). The early church believed it, stating in the Nicene Creed that Jesus “was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary.” Because of this, Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit right from conception to birth—and throughout his whole life. In Malawi a Chichewa proverb says, Chokoma cha nkhuku chiyambira kudzira, meaning, “The good taste of a chicken starts all the way from an egg.” In a similar manner, Jesus’ sinlessness occurred immediately at conception. Because of this, he was without any trace of human sin. If Jesus had been born with sin, he would not have qualified as the true Saviour of his people. “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Because Mary conceived through the Holy Spirit, we can rejoice that through Jesus, our sins have truly been forgiven.
Today:
Look up or think of a song that praises God for his holiness: a hymn, a contemporary song, or a song in your mother tongue. Sing and worship him!
Scripture
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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