Sunday, December 10, 2017

​A Celtic Christmas

Synopsis: The themes denoted in the Christmas story are much older than the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. Join us Sunday, where Reverend Michael will expand on how the Christmas “miracle” has been played out in various cultures around the world. It is always a story of miracles, hope, renewal and celebration.

Presented by: Reverend Michael Moran

With music by: Pamela Benton and Deby Grosjean

View Lesson Archive

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The themes denoted in the Christmas story are much older than the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. In fact, concepts like the virgin birth, the star of the Magi and other thematic elements have appeared throughout the history of human civilization. In other words, early Christians adopted and modified the beliefs, stories, and traditions of the civilizations and cultures in which they belonged to connect with their pagan audience. For example, virgin birth, and a reverence and obsession with virginity, was a common theme in ancient religions. Stories regarding immaculate conception appeared 2,000 years before the time of Christ and near where Christianity originated.

​In fact, many religions have stories of children born of god and man whose origins where deemed miraculous. Although these stories are not exact parallels to the birth of the Christ, they share many common archetypes. The correlation suggests that pagan myths and rituals had a considerable influence on the Christmas story. Join us Sunday, where Reverend Michael will expand on how the Christmas “miracle” has been played out in various cultures around the world. It is always a story of miracles, hope, renewal and celebration.

Our musical guests this week are Pamela Benton & Deby Grosjean. If you remember seeing them last Spring, you know they are fraternal twins. Pamela will be playing her signature instrument-the electric violin. Her sister Deby will accompany her on an acoustic violin. These talented twins will be accompanied by our accomplished music director Gwen Gathercoal on piano, keyboard and vocals; along with Ken Curtiss on guitar and Gary Buettner on bass. ​

The Christmas miracle is love.

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