Birth of Jesus ‘Do not be afraid’ 9 things you didn’t know about the Star of Bethlehem Discussion Starters, Lk 2:1-21 How (not) to preach a Christmas sermon Lk 2:22-24, 36-38 – Anna’s story (sermon notes) Luke 2 – Was Joseph from Nazareth, or Bethlehem (or both)? Luke 2:14 – ‘On earth peace, Good will toward men’ Luke 2:7 – ‘No room at the inn’ Luke 2:7 – Jesus was (probably) not born in a stable Matthew 1 Matthew 2:11 – ‘Gold, frankincense, and myrrh’ Matthew 2:2 – The star of Bethlehem Preach this Christmas The births of John and Jesus – similarities and differences The magi – Nabatean courtiers? The Magi – the Damascus connection The nativity: a sceptic’s doubts The virgin birth in Luke Top ten Christmas conversation starters Twelve Ways of Christmas Virgin Birth – meaning and significance Virgin Birth – scriptural attestation When, and where, was Jesus born? Why are Matthew’s and Luke’s birth narratives so different?