December 24, Christmas Eve Service, 6:00 pm

Lesson: Matthew 1.18-25

Sermon Title: Debut

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 INTRODUCTION:

Read the story: The City of David by Miriam Gautier

Continue with the following.

  1. This year, as I was contemplating the birth of Jesus I was reminded of the remembrances of an old television program where the Debutantes made their debut.
    1. A Debutante Cotillion is still done.
      1. "Belle' Etiquette and Charm: "Focusing on the Outer Beauty with an Inner Purpose™

Belle' Etiquette and Charm have a Debutante Program (1)

Belle' Etiquette & Charm cordially invites you to be a participant in our Debutante Program. The Events and Ball are open to young s ladies presently in High School.

      1. Events
        1. Debutante events will begin September 24, 2005 and conclude April 15, 2006.
        2. Second Annual Debutante Cotillion Ball will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2006.

Application deadline: October 14, 2005. For an application and more information please call (301) 379-9343 or Email: info@belle-charm.com.™

    1. This is the report of the one that was held in February, 2000.
      1. The National Debutante Cotillion of Washington (2)
      2. A Special Presentation

The National Debutante Cotillion, Washington's oldest social-presentation event, recently celebrated its 50th year with a magnificent turnout of debutantes, their guests, and luminaries from the political, diplomatic, and military circles. Dressed to the nines in elegant traditional white ball gowns with long, white kid gloves and carrying white fans with violet orchids, 57 young women from eighteen states, 44 cities, and two foreign countries were presented. Following an evening of presentation and dancing to the tune of Gene Donati and his orchestra, guests enjoyed a formal seated dinner. Since 1979, the annual event has benefited the many pediatric healthcare services offered by the Children's National Medical Center.

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MAIN BODY

  1. Contemplate, if you will the debut of Jesus
    1. The announcement of Jesus impending debut to Joseph creates a high level of anxiety.
      1. They were only at the first stage of their marriage process.
      2. There were three steps in a Jewish marriage.
        1. First, the two families agreed to the union.
        2. Second, a public announcement was made.
          1. At this point, the couple was "pledged."
          2. This was similar to engagement today except that their relationship could be broken only through death or divorce (even though sexual relations were not yet permitted).
        3. Third, the couple was married and began living together.
      3. Because Mary and Joseph were engaged, Mary's apparent unfaithfulness carried a severe social stigma.
    2. According to Jewish civil law, Joseph had a right to divorce her, and the Jewish authorities could have had her stoned to death (Deut. 22:23-24).
      1. It is his reputation that is at stake.
      2. What will happen to his life, his business.
      3. Joseph is an "righteous" man
      4. He is unwilling to expose her to public disgrace.
      5. He is concerned about Mary, but decides to divorce her quietly.
      6. Divine intervention halts this process and enables Joseph to continue into full marriage.
  2. Jesus makes his debut in a manger in Bethlehem.
    1. He is surrounded by cattle, sheep and goats.
    2. The publicity of the event first goes to shepherds on the hillside.
    3. His only visitors, according to the story, are shepherds who have been informed of the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem.
  3. What a contrast between Jesus debut and the report of The National Debutante Cotillion of Washington DC
    1. The contrast is so beautifully caught in the song: The Birthday of a King, Words & Music: William H. Neidlinger

In the little village of Bethlehem,
There lay a Child one day;
And the sky was bright with a holy light
O'er the place where Jesus lay.

Refrain

Alleluia! O how the angels sang.
Alleluia! How it rang!
And the sky was bright with a holy light
'was the birthday of a King.

'Twas a humble birthplace, but O how much
God gave to us that day,
From the manger bed what a path has led,
What a perfect, holy way.

Refrain

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CONCLUSION:

  1. Tonight we do not celebrate like The National Debutante Cotillion of Washington DC with fancy dresses, dancing and a formal sit-down dinner.
  2. We celebrate the birth of a humble child in Bethlehem.
  3. Of him it was said to Joseph:

"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

    1. He will save us.
    2. He will save us from our sins. (Rejoice and be glad!!!)

1. Retrieved from: http://www.belle-charm.com/2005_cotillion.htm

2. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonlife.com/backissues/archives/00feb/debutante_cotillion.htm

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