City United Reformed Church
CHRISTMAS FOR ADULT CHRISTIANS
Session 2:

In the second session you will sort out Matthew’s version of the birth story from Luke’s. Look at your sequence of Christmas story scenes. Do they really tell the same story? Who appears first on the scene, the shepherds or the Magi? Or did you just follow the Nativity Play tradition of putting the Magi last?  Using the grid below, sort out which scenes belong to the story in Matthew, and which belong to Luke’s version of the story. 
 

Pause for Thought

When you have completed this activity, think about the differences you have found between the two stories. In which story does Joseph figure more prominently?  Which one concentrates more on Mary? In which story is there shame attached to Mary’s pregnancy?  Is Jesus born in a stable or in a house? You don’t have to write your answers these specific problems in detail.  More important is simply showing your awareness of the problems. What is the difference in mood between the two stories? Share with your reflection partner and the course tutor. Remember, try not to go over 250 words when writing to the course tutor.

Note that the aim of this exercise is to start you thinking about the differences between the gospels of Matthew and Luke; you can present your thoughts as notes, bullet points or in whichever style you prefer.

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