Today’s scriptures and discussion question are:
Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told them, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had said. LUKE 2:17 and 20
There was a man named Simeon who...eagerly expected the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, "Lord, now I can die in peace! As you promised me, I have seen the Savior you have given to all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!" Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, "This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy to many others." LUKE 2:25, 27-32, and 34
Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple...She was a widow, for her husband had died when they had been married only seven years. She was now eight-four years old. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about Jesus to everyone who had been waiting for the promised King to come and deliver Jerusalem. LUKE 2:36-38
From the very first Christmas, as a result of worshipping Jesus, people were spurred to enthusiastic action while experiencing joy and peace. What has your worship of Jesus caused you to DO or FEEL this week?
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Today's reflections are copyrighted excerpts taken from Finding Glory in the Thorns: Group Discussion Guide.
Worship was one of my “words” for 2011 – learning to cultivate this into my life in new and deeper ways. I’ve fallen short many times. But God has shown me worship of Him is not secluded to a quiet time or singing praises in church. It is a lifestyle and His Spirit should be woven to mine so I can see His glory and share it with others in my daily living. Keeping “Christ” in Christmas has been a strong theme in our home & lives this year. I really wanted the decorations to reflect Christ and have HIS WORDS all around our home. The word “joy” continues to be my favorite and it in every room at least 2-3 times. This year for the grandkids (11 under 9) we are going to play “Find Baby Jesus” as He will be missing from the 7 nativity sets and hiding throughout the house and when He is found you will hear “I found Baby Jesus” and then will be delivered to his manger to remind us all of this wonderful gift. Praying those visiting that do not think of Him in their self-led lives will hear He is born and is found for them and will turn their hearts & minds to start a new life of Joy! Oh, this is so much the reason He came – to bring light to those sitting in darkness. May our homes be so filled with His light it blinds us!
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