These notes accompany the sermon found here.

There are three hymns in the birth narrative:

• The Magnificat, Luke 1:46-56.
• The Benedictus, Luke 1:68-79.
• The Nunc Dimittis, Luke 2:29-32.

A Hymn of Praise to God

• Benedictus – The first word of the song in Latin meaning “blessed.”

Fulfillment of the Prophecies/Promises of God

• Interpreting prophetic fulfillment:
  • Interpret the Old Covenant implications. Ask, “What does this mean in terms of God’s covenant with Israel?”
  • Interpret the New Covenant implications. Ask, “What does this mean in terms of God’s New Covenant in Jesus Christ?”
• See Genesis 3:15, 12:1-3; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Malachi 4:6.

Encouragements

• Understand your role, and the role of your local church, in the unfolding of these promises of God.
• Celebrate Christmas as not only the memorial of past events, but also as a present reality with great future implications.