Thoughts: "Well, we found him.”
“Yes, but not as we expected.” “It was a very humble home.” “But there was no doubt that this child was born King of the Jews.” “No, the star led us directly to his home.” “Will his parents know to treasure our gifts?” “Yes, I think they will. His mother seemed wise beyond her years.” “Perhaps we were wrong to ask Herod for directions.” “But he assured us he wanted to go worship the child, also.” “Surely you didn’t believe him.” “No, of course not. That’s why we’re going home a different way.”
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Thoughts: There are no dearer words. They are precious to us in their familiarity – their beauty – their promise.
These twenty verses contain history, romance, rejection, and Joy. Characters include rulers and common people and angels and a baby. Who knew the baby was coming? His mother and his earthly father knew. God and his angels knew. A few members of the inn’s staff knew. And then, nearby shepherds were told by the angel of the Lord, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Apparently taking it for granted that the shepherds would want to go see the Savior, the angels gave rather sketchy directions.
Thoughts: “Have you seen Anna?”
“She never leaves the temple.” “Always fasting and praying.” “Poor old soul, she doesn’t’ have any family.” “They say she can predict the future.” “Did you hear how excited she was when that country couple came in with a baby? “She said the baby was the Messiah!” “Yeah, she was going on about this baby’s bringing redemption to Jerusalem.” “Well, you know she never had any children of her own.” “No, she didn’t. She’s probably lonely.” “And as old as the hills.” “Let’s check out the sale at Micha’s!” ”And then we can have lunch at Zelophehad’s new place.”: “And then we ------ Thoughts: The Christmas story isn't just for the holiday season. The birth of Jesus is a game-changer. Some Christmas thoughts are good for any day of the year. Bethlehem is the city. The meaning of Bethlehem is "house of bread." The Bread of Life was delivered on this day in the city of David. The birth was miraculous. While every birth may seem this way, Christ's birth truly was different. Mary was a virgin. The conception was of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had no sin. Matthew 1:23 quotes Isaiah's prophecy: "Behold the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel." When Jesus came, God was with us in the flesh. Mary cared for the baby. The young mother wrapped him and laid him in a feeding trough. While Mary was not divine, she was special. She told the angel in Luke 1:38 "Let it be me according to your word." That is a great prayer for all of us. There was no room for Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the guesthouse. SO they turned the stable into a Motel 6. Perfection came down and man rejected Him. Do not reject Him today. Make room for Jesus in your life.
Discussion: How can we make room for Jesus in our lives during this holiday season, especially during this pandemic? How can we share him with those around us during this pandemic& holiday season? Activity:Be intentional about making time for Jesus for the remainder of advent. Even if it is just reading your advent booklet and saying a prayer! |
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January 2021
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