The service begins with a reading from Matthew 1, and a word of prayer is given (00:00-02:33). The speaker states that the service will be in celebration of the Virgin Mary (02:34-03:02). A song about Mary and Jesus is played (03:03-08:34). A speaker tells the story of Roman Catholics in South American celebrating the Virgin Mary (08:35-10:00). A woman sings a song about the Virgin Mary on the piano (10:01-12:52). Powell begins her sermon by giving a word of prayer (12:53-13:41). Powell reflects on the story of God’s call to Mary and the birth of Christ, and she speaks about her own struggles in life and her reasons to celebrate with hope every day (13:42-37:41). Powell concludes her sermon with a word of prayer (37:42-38:48).
Richard Albert Spencer was Assistant Professor of New Testament. The service begins with a responsive reading from 0:00-0:40. Isaiah 9:2-7 is read from 0:41-2:00. A moment of silent prayer takes place from 2:05-3:54. Dr. Spencer speaks from 4:01-15:25. He delivers a message on the true meaning of Christmas.
Theodore Floyd Adams was Visiting Professor of Preaching at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. The service begins with a prayer offered by Fu Lau Yeung (0:00-1:25). After which, Tai Ping Li reads scripture in Chinese (1:26-4:23). Which is followed by a prayer in Japanese by Takashi Ida (4:24-7:05). The service continues with a period of singing (7:06-10:04). Adam’s message is on Christmas. Adams discusses how Christmas is both timeless and timely (10:05-17:32). In addition, he illustrates the miracle that Christmas truly is (17:33-24:00). He closes in prayer (24:01-28:18).
Julius Carroll Trotter was Professor of Preaching and Speech at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. The service begins with scripture readings (0:00-2:41). After which, a prayer is offered (2:42-3:37). The service continues with a period of singing (3:38-6:43). Trotter’s message is on “Christmas Truths.” Trotter begins with an introduction concerning truths about Christmas (6:44-8:53). He discusses the truth that Christ came in the form of a servant (8:54-11:00). He continues by discussing the truth of peace through suffering (11:01-14:36). In addition, he discusses the truth of sacrifice for deliverance (14:37-15:39). He concludes by illustrating these Gospel truths (15:40-22:08). He closes in prayer (22:09-22:40).
Olin Trivette Binkley was the 2nd president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Professor of Christian Sociology and Ethics. The service begins with a responsive reading (0:00-2:02). After which, a prayer is offered (2:03-4:02). Binkley's message is on what Christmas means to him. Binkley begins with an introduction (4:03-5:00). After which, he explains the first thing that Christmas means is that God knows and loves believers (5:01-8:23). The second thing Christmas means is that through His children God becomes visible amidst human needs (8:24-19:20). Finally, the third thing Christmas means is that it is more blessed to give than to receive (19:21-29:58). The service closes in prayer (29:59-30:30).
After the reading of Luke 2:8-11 and a prayer (start-1:22), Harold Hunter Oliver, Special Instructor of New Testament, answers the question “What Should Christmas Mean?”