Chapter Two: A Birth Not A Babyfest

Chapter Two: A Birth Not A Babyfest

1. John Bell is quite critical of how Christians have celebrated Christmas over the centuries and draws upon several examples.
   Why is he so passionate about this and can you understand his concern? How does this make you feel about what you look forward to as Christmas approaches?
   
   
2. Reread Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. Does anything strike you in re-reading the birth story with fresh eyes (and in Lent, instead of in Advent/Christmas-tide)? What details stick out at you as different from what you might have imagined or remembered from the story as it unfolds?
   
   
3. John Bell provocatively says that there are two Christmases. One is the biblical account which explores the power and mystery of the incarnation. The other Christmas is a “seasonal cultural activity loosely based upon the birth of Jesus with accretions that make it a trite festival of sentimentality.” Can you see where he is coming from and do you agree? What might that mean for how you celebrate Christmas this year?
   
   
4. Bell says that when we read the lyrics for “Silent Night”, “Once in Royal David’s City” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem” we imagine a quiet, pastoral, peaceful scene in Bethlehem. He also says that we know from both the biblical record and the extra-biblical evidence that the reality was quite different. He reminds us that we know that babies cry, that childbirth is painful and dangerous, and that the town would have been noisy with all of the visitors arriving. What’s the danger in sentimentalizing the birth of Jesus? Do you see any harm in Christians pretending or imagining a scene like the ones we celebrate in pageants, cards, hymns and artwork? After reading this chapter, how do you picture the story unfolding?
   
   
5. As a hymn writer, Bell’s lyrics emphasize the humanity of Jesus during his earthly ministry and a big focus is upon the deeper meaning of the incarnation. At the same time many of our hymns (often our favourites) seem to focus almost exclusively upon his birth or death and rarely explore his life, ministry, parables, healing or teaching.  Sometimes these hymns portray Jesus in ways that would lead them to question if he was ever “fully human”. Why do you think Christians have struggled with the humanity of Jesus? How do you feel about Bell’s desire to see Jesus’ humanity more clearly?
   
6. John Bell has new lyrics for “O Little Town of Bethlehem”. Sing with others this favourite hymn with these new lyrics. Would this add to or detract from your celebration of the incarnation? Are there Christmas hymns that you feel are both true to the biblical account and inspiring for the season?