The Tales of Faith Holiday Special

Starring Aaron Ochart as Luke Skywalker, Louise Ochart as Princess Leia, R2-D2 as R2D2, and James Earl Jones as the voice of Darth Vader. Introducing Chewbacca’s family: his wife Malla, his father Itchy, and his son Lumpy.With special guest stars: Beatrice Arthur, Art Carney, Diahanne Carrorl, The Jefferson Starship, Harvy Korman, and an animated Star Wars story!(cue 20 minutes of Shriiwook) Note: If you have not seen the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special, you are surely missing something (like most of these jokes). Opening CrawlIt is a time of occupation. The land once known as Israel and Judah is being occupied by the ROMAN EMPIRE, the most recent in a list of imperial masters. Judea is ruthlessly ruled by the Tetrarch, HEROD the GREAT. The SANHEDRIN, the Jewish ruling party, tries to hold on to the freedoms that they have, but are plagued by infighting between the priestly SADDUCEES and the reform-minded PHARISEES. Violent terrorist groups like the  ZEALOTS and other groups seek to be free from the Romans through strength, while the ESSENES seek solitude and religious purity in the wilderness.The Jewish people long for the restoration of national sovereignty. There is a growing hope for a MESSIAH, an ‘anointed one’ who is to fulfill God’s promise to King David of an ever-ruling descendent. Many would-be Messiah’s have come and gone. God’s people continue to ask, “How long, O Lord?”... The Texts* Christmas Eve Morning: Luke 1:5-13 [14-25], 57-80* Christmas Eve Night: Luke 2:1-14[15-20]* Christmas Day: Mark 1:1-20Overview of LukeBible Project- Luke (Read the Bible Series)Bible Project: Luke-Acts Series* Theological Introduction (Ch 1-2)* 1:1-4 Abstract* 1:5-25 The birth of John the Baptizer Foretold* 1:26-38 The Birth of Jesus foretold* 1:39-45 Mary visits Elizabeth* 1:46-56 Magnificat* 1:57-66 Birth of John the Baptizer* 1:67-80 Zechariah’s Song* 2:1-7 Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem * 2:8-20 Shepherds* 2:21-38 Jesus presented at the Temple* 2:39-40 Return to Nazareth* 2:41-52 Jesus as a boy at the Temple* Jesus’ Early Ministry (Ch 3-9)* The Turn towards Jerusalem (Ch 9-19)* Passion (Ch 19-23)* Resurrection (Ch 24)Overview of MarkBible Project- Mark (Read the Bible Series)Bible Project: Mark Series* Early Ministry (Ch 1-3)* 1:1-8 the Proclamation of John the Baptizer* 1:9-11 Baptism of Jesus* 1:12-13 Temptation of Jesus * 1:14-15 Jesus’ message* 1:16-20 Calling the first disciples* 1:21-28 Jesus heals a man on Sabbath* 1:29-34 a crowd around Jesus* 1:35-39 Jesus gets away from the crowd* 1:40-45 Jesus cleanses a Leper* 2:1-12 Friends of a paralytic man get him to Jesus* 2:13-17 Jesus calls Levi* 2:18-22 Question about fasting* 2:23-3:6 What does Sabbath mean?* 3:7-19a The multitude at the lake, Jesus chooses twelve* 3:19b-30 The power of Beelzebul* 3:31-35 The real family of Jesus * Mid Ministry (Ch 4-8)* Later Ministry (Ch 8-10)* Passion (Ch 11-15)* Resurrection (Ch 16)Pop Culture Connections:As far as Nativity Luke/Matthew mash-ups go, “The Star” is pretty good. Also, You can check out my Christmas Playlist on Spotify (I also have one for Advent)Boring Stuff:New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.orgMusic: “Flying” by Track Tribe, edited by Revochart, YouTube Audio Library LicenseTales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe