Natwivity – Dr Bexl Revamp

Happy Christmas [#Ecard] 2010

I wanted to wish a Happy Christmas to everyone (as you may know, I only send Christmas cards to older relatives!), and as per usual, have been looking out for bits and pieces online to brighten up people’s Christmas! Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year… I will be enjoying myself in Egypt (and yes, trying not to get eaten by sharks!)… having a ‘digital break’ for 2.5 weeks!! BTW, don’t you just love this shadow pic by 12baskets!!

The Birth of Jesus: Social Media Style

This year, it’s all about the Nativity, so here’s a great video (if you’re into social media, you’ll love it… if you speak Portuguese you’ll love it even more, but I think you’ll get it anyway edit: or we’ve now found an English version!)

Have you come across Natwivity yet?

Meet Joseph, he’s an ordinary guy with a pretty ordinary life. He’s in a relationship with Mary and works as a carpenter in Galilee. This young couple are about to receive some very un-ordinary news and begin an extraordinary journey – One that will change the world forever… (Join 1000s of others on Twitter, Facebook, Website)

Through the eyes of a child…

Cute kids acting out the story more your thing? This one’s very cute!!

Happy New Year and look forward to an excellent 2011…

2011 is the 400th anniversary since the publication of the King James Version of the Bible. Biblefresh is a movement of hundreds of churches, agencies, organisations, colleges and festivals which has a vision to reignite and re-enthuse the church in its passion for the Bible. For many in our churches the Bible has become tedious and toxic rather than treasured, trusted and true. The aim of the Biblefresh initiative is to encourage a greater confidence and passion for Scripture across the Church.

Biblefresh is asking churches to agree to raise the level of biblical understanding amongst their members by taking practical steps in four areas: Reading, Training, Translation and Experience, providing resources through the Biblefresh website, book, leaders guide and e-letters which will provide you with ideas as to how to fulfil development in all four areas.

The Big Read 2011

Alongside other projects, I am working on The Big Bible Project, which includes “The #BigRead2011”, part of Biblefresh. The Big Read involves meeting together in housegroups to read the Bible, making use of Tom Wright’s Lent for Everyone: Matthew (December 2010) with opportunities to go much bigger and much more creative and join in online (inter)nationally. From quiet sitting rooms with Bibles and books, to coffee shops and Internet chatrooms across the world…. Get involved!

Thanks to a Facebook Status… (and check out @natwivity)

If you talk to me of God…
…Please offer me more than a rulebook, theories and ideas, vague promises of a greater understanding later on. I need something that has meaning in my here and now
If you talk to me of Gods son…
…Please offer …me more than a newborn in a manger, or a teller of tales, gentle bearded hippy with a considerable fondness for children and a greater capacity for being misunderstood. I need someone who has meaning in my here and now.
If you talk to me of Gods spirit…
…Please offer me more than a hovering dove, beautifully pictured in stained glass, stained glass has not much day to day usefulness.
What I need is a friend who will come alongside me, love that will never let me down, and a leader I can follow with confidence to the ends of the earth.
If you talk to me of that God.
Then
I will listen.

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WHO’S WHO in @Natwivity?

JOSEPH

Meet Joseph, a young unmarried man who lives and works in Nazareth, Galilee. As the story unfolds he begins to understand how he, an ordinary carpenter, will play his part in saving the world. Joseph is in a relationship with Mary.

Mary

Mary, a young girl brought up in an ordinary household. She is preparing for her future with the young and handsome Joseph. Still living with her parents, every relationship Mary knows is about to change.

WISE MEN

The Wise men embark on a journey following a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event. Their journey takes them to towns, palaces and a stable as they encounter danger, deceit and surprise. Their camels are packed with all sorts of Eastern wonders and valuable gifts.

Shepherds

A 0-AD Bethlehem shepherd is considered to be an outcast in society. Living in caves on the hills of the town, they work from dawn til dusk protecting and keeping their flock.

Elizabeth

Liz is Mary’s older cousin. Through shared experiences they find support and comfort in each other through challenging times.

Innkeeper

Bethlehem’s busy! A census has been decreed by the Emperer Augustus and those that call Bethlehem home return to respond. Guest houses and inns fill up and this manager is set for a busy few weeks.

Herod

He’s the most powerful character wrapped up in this story until he hears of a threat to topple his authority. Jealousy seethes through his veins and his actions jeopardise the fate of things to come.