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This Week's Lectionary
1st Sunday of Advent – Purple or Blue
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36
United Methodist Student Day
National Bible Week
Lectionary Readings for Sunday, 29 November 2015:
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36
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Lectionary Readings:
Jeremiah 33:14 “Here, the days are coming,” says Adonai, “when I will fulfill this good promise which I have proclaimed for the house of Isra’el and the house of Y’hudah.
15 When those days come, at that time,
I will cause to spring up for David
a Branch of Righteousness.
He will do what is just and right in the land.
16 When those days come, Y’hudah will be saved,
Yerushalayim will live in safety,
and the name given to her will be
Adonai Tzidkenu [Adonai our Righteousness].”
Psalm 25:(0) By David:
(1) I lift my inner being to you, Adonai;
2 I trust you, my God.
Don’t let me be disgraced,
don’t let my enemies gloat over me.
3 No one waiting for you will be disgraced;
disgrace awaits those who break faith for no reason.
4 Make me know your ways, Adonai,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth, and teach me;
for you are the God who saves me,
my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember your compassion and grace, Adonai;
for these are ages old.
7 Don’t remember my youthful sins or transgressions;
but remember me according to your grace
for the sake of your goodness, Adonai.
8 Adonai is good, and he is fair;
this is why he teaches sinners the way [to live],
9 leads the humble to do what is right
and teaches the humble [to live] his way.
10 All Adonai’s paths are grace and truth
to those who keep his covenant and instructions.
1 Thessalonians 3:9 Indeed, how can we thank God enough for you or express to our God all the joy we feel because of you? 10 Night and day we pray as hard as we can that we will be able to see you face to face and supply whatever shortcomings there may be in your trust. 11 May God our Father and our Lord Yeshua direct our way to you.
12 And as for you, may the Lord make you increase and overflow in love toward each other, indeed, toward everyone, just as we do toward you; 13 so that he may give you the inner strength to be blameless, by reason of your holiness, when you stand before God our Father at the coming of our Lord Yeshua with all his angels.
Luke 21:25 “There will appear signs in the sun, moon and stars; and on earth, nations will be in anxiety and bewilderment at the sound and surge of the sea, 26 as people faint with fear at the prospect of what is overtaking the world; for the powers in heaven will be shaken.[Luke 21:26 Haggai 2:6, 21] 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with tremendous power and glory.[Luke 21:27 Daniel 7:13–14] 28 When these things start to happen, stand up and hold your heads high; because you are about to be liberated!”
29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, Indeed, all the trees. 30 As soon as they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things taking place, you are to know that the Kingdom of God is near! 32 Yes! I tell you that this people will certainly not pass away before it has all happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.
34 “But keep watch on yourselves, or your hearts will become dulled by carousing, drunkenness and the worries of everyday living, and that Day will be sprung upon you suddenly like a trap! 35 For it will close in on everyone, no matter where they live, throughout the whole world. 36 Stay alert, always praying that you will have the strength to escape all the things that will happen and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man.”
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Jeremiah 33:14 “Here, the days are coming,” says Adonai, “when I will fulfill this good promise which I have proclaimed for the house of Isra’el and the house of Y’hudah.
15 When those days come, at that time,
I will cause to spring up for David
a Branch of Righteousness.
He will do what is just and right in the land.
16 When those days come, Y’hudah will be saved,
Yerushalayim will live in safety,
and the name given to her will be
Adonai Tzidkenu [Adonai our Righteousness].”
Psalm 25:(0) By David:
(1) I lift my inner being to you, Adonai;
2 I trust you, my God.
Don’t let me be disgraced,
don’t let my enemies gloat over me.
3 No one waiting for you will be disgraced;
disgrace awaits those who break faith for no reason.
4 Make me know your ways, Adonai,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth, and teach me;
for you are the God who saves me,
my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember your compassion and grace, Adonai;
for these are ages old.
7 Don’t remember my youthful sins or transgressions;
but remember me according to your grace
for the sake of your goodness, Adonai.
8 Adonai is good, and he is fair;
this is why he teaches sinners the way [to live],
9 leads the humble to do what is right
and teaches the humble [to live] his way.
10 All Adonai’s paths are grace and truth
to those who keep his covenant and instructions.
1 Thessalonians 3:9 Indeed, how can we thank God enough for you or express to our God all the joy we feel because of you? 10 Night and day we pray as hard as we can that we will be able to see you face to face and supply whatever shortcomings there may be in your trust. 11 May God our Father and our Lord Yeshua direct our way to you.
12 And as for you, may the Lord make you increase and overflow in love toward each other, indeed, toward everyone, just as we do toward you; 13 so that he may give you the inner strength to be blameless, by reason of your holiness, when you stand before God our Father at the coming of our Lord Yeshua with all his angels.
Luke 21:25 “There will appear signs in the sun, moon and stars; and on earth, nations will be in anxiety and bewilderment at the sound and surge of the sea, 26 as people faint with fear at the prospect of what is overtaking the world; for the powers in heaven will be shaken.[Luke 21:26 Haggai 2:6, 21] 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with tremendous power and glory.[Luke 21:27 Daniel 7:13–14] 28 When these things start to happen, stand up and hold your heads high; because you are about to be liberated!”
29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, Indeed, all the trees. 30 As soon as they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things taking place, you are to know that the Kingdom of God is near! 32 Yes! I tell you that this people will certainly not pass away before it has all happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.
34 “But keep watch on yourselves, or your hearts will become dulled by carousing, drunkenness and the worries of everyday living, and that Day will be sprung upon you suddenly like a trap! 35 For it will close in on everyone, no matter where they live, throughout the whole world. 36 Stay alert, always praying that you will have the strength to escape all the things that will happen and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man.”
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John Wesley's Notes Commentary for Jeremiah 33:14-16
Verse 15
[15] In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.
The branch — The kings they had hitherto had of the line of David, were most of them unrighteous men, but God promises that after the captivity, they should have a branch of David who would execute judgment and righteousness in the land, for the protection and government of those that feared him.
Verse 16
[16] In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.
Saved — It is the opinion of some that a spiritual salvation and security is promised under these expressions, but by the most and best interpreters, a temporal salvation. This was typical of that spiritual and eternal salvation which is promised to the true Israel of God; as their rest in Canaan typified that rest which remaineth for the people of God.
The Lord our righteousness — There is no such name any where given, either to the Jewish or Christian church, as the Lord our righteousness, but the full import of that name is spoken of Christ, Isaiah 45:23, which text is applied to Christ, Romans 14:11; Philemon 2:10.
Psalm 25:1-10
Verse 2
[2] O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
Ashamed — Disappointed of my hope.
Verse 3
[3] Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
Cause — Without any provocation of mine.
Verse 4
[4] Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
Teach — Teach me my duty, and cause me to keep close to it, notwithstanding all temptations.
Verse 8
[8] Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
Upright — Holy and true, in all his declarations and offers of mercy to sinners.
Therefore — He will not be wanting to such poor sinners as I am, but will guide them into the way of life and peace.
Verse 9
[9] The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
The meek — Such as meekly submit themselves to God, and are desirous to be directed and governed by him.
Judgment — In the paths of judgment, in the right way.
Verse 10
[10] All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
Paths — All the dealings of God with them, yea even those that are afflictive, are done in kindness and faithfulness to them.
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Verse 10
[10] Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
And perfect that which is wanting in your faith — So St. Paul did not know that "they who are once upon the rock no longer need to be taught by man."
Verse 11
[11] Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
Direct our way — This prayer is addressed to Christ, as well as to the Father.
Verse 13
[13] To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
With all his, Christ's, saints - Both angels and men.
Luke 21:25-36
Verse 25
[25] And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
And there shall be — Before the great day, which was typified by the destruction of Jerusalem: signs - Different from those mentioned Luke 21:11, etc. Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24.
Verse 28
[28] And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Now when these things — Mentioned Luke 21:8,10, etc., begin to come to pass, look up with firm faith, and lift up your heads with joy: for your redemption out of many troubles draweth nigh, by God's destroying your implacable enemies.
Verse 29
[29] And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
Behold the fig tree and all the trees — Christ spake this in the spring, just before the passover; when all the trees were budding on the mount of Olives, where they then were.
Verse 30
[30] When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
Ye know of yourselves — Though none teach you.
Verse 31
[31] So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
The kingdom of God is nigh — The destruction of the Jewish city, temple, and religion, to make way for the advancement of my kingdom.
Verse 32
[32] Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
Till all things be effected — All that has been spoken of the destruction of Jerusalem, to which the question, Luke 21:7, relates: and which is treated of from Luke 21:8-24.
Verse 34
[34] And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
Take heed, lest at any time your hearts be overloaded with gluttony and drunkenness — And was there need to warn the apostles themselves against such sins as these? Then surely there is reason to warn even strong Christians against the very grossest sins. Neither are we wise, if we think ourselves out of the reach of any sin: and so that day - Of judgment or of death, come upon you, even you that are not of this world-Unawares. Matthew 24:42; Mark 13:33; Luke 12:35.
Verse 35
[35] For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
That sit — Careless and at ease.
Verse 36
[36] Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Watch ye therefore — This is the general conclusion of all that precedes.
That ye may be counted worthy — This word sometimes signifies an honour conferred on a person, as when the apostles are said to be counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ, Acts 5:41. Sometimes meet or becoming: as when John the Baptist exhorts, to bring fruits worthy of repentance, Luke 3:8. And so to be counted worthy to escape, is to have the honour of it, and to be fitted or prepared for it.
To stand — With joy and triumph: not to fall before him as his enemies.
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The Upper Room Ministries
Verse 15
[15] In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.
The branch — The kings they had hitherto had of the line of David, were most of them unrighteous men, but God promises that after the captivity, they should have a branch of David who would execute judgment and righteousness in the land, for the protection and government of those that feared him.
Verse 16
[16] In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.
Saved — It is the opinion of some that a spiritual salvation and security is promised under these expressions, but by the most and best interpreters, a temporal salvation. This was typical of that spiritual and eternal salvation which is promised to the true Israel of God; as their rest in Canaan typified that rest which remaineth for the people of God.
The Lord our righteousness — There is no such name any where given, either to the Jewish or Christian church, as the Lord our righteousness, but the full import of that name is spoken of Christ, Isaiah 45:23, which text is applied to Christ, Romans 14:11; Philemon 2:10.
Psalm 25:1-10
Verse 2
[2] O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
Ashamed — Disappointed of my hope.
Verse 3
[3] Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
Cause — Without any provocation of mine.
Verse 4
[4] Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
Teach — Teach me my duty, and cause me to keep close to it, notwithstanding all temptations.
Verse 8
[8] Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
Upright — Holy and true, in all his declarations and offers of mercy to sinners.
Therefore — He will not be wanting to such poor sinners as I am, but will guide them into the way of life and peace.
Verse 9
[9] The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
The meek — Such as meekly submit themselves to God, and are desirous to be directed and governed by him.
Judgment — In the paths of judgment, in the right way.
Verse 10
[10] All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
Paths — All the dealings of God with them, yea even those that are afflictive, are done in kindness and faithfulness to them.
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Verse 10
[10] Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
And perfect that which is wanting in your faith — So St. Paul did not know that "they who are once upon the rock no longer need to be taught by man."
Verse 11
[11] Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
Direct our way — This prayer is addressed to Christ, as well as to the Father.
Verse 13
[13] To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
With all his, Christ's, saints - Both angels and men.
Luke 21:25-36
Verse 25
[25] And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
And there shall be — Before the great day, which was typified by the destruction of Jerusalem: signs - Different from those mentioned Luke 21:11, etc. Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24.
Verse 28
[28] And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Now when these things — Mentioned Luke 21:8,10, etc., begin to come to pass, look up with firm faith, and lift up your heads with joy: for your redemption out of many troubles draweth nigh, by God's destroying your implacable enemies.
Verse 29
[29] And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
Behold the fig tree and all the trees — Christ spake this in the spring, just before the passover; when all the trees were budding on the mount of Olives, where they then were.
Verse 30
[30] When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
Ye know of yourselves — Though none teach you.
Verse 31
[31] So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
The kingdom of God is nigh — The destruction of the Jewish city, temple, and religion, to make way for the advancement of my kingdom.
Verse 32
[32] Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
Till all things be effected — All that has been spoken of the destruction of Jerusalem, to which the question, Luke 21:7, relates: and which is treated of from Luke 21:8-24.
Verse 34
[34] And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
Take heed, lest at any time your hearts be overloaded with gluttony and drunkenness — And was there need to warn the apostles themselves against such sins as these? Then surely there is reason to warn even strong Christians against the very grossest sins. Neither are we wise, if we think ourselves out of the reach of any sin: and so that day - Of judgment or of death, come upon you, even you that are not of this world-Unawares. Matthew 24:42; Mark 13:33; Luke 12:35.
Verse 35
[35] For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
That sit — Careless and at ease.
Verse 36
[36] Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Watch ye therefore — This is the general conclusion of all that precedes.
That ye may be counted worthy — This word sometimes signifies an honour conferred on a person, as when the apostles are said to be counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ, Acts 5:41. Sometimes meet or becoming: as when John the Baptist exhorts, to bring fruits worthy of repentance, Luke 3:8. And so to be counted worthy to escape, is to have the honour of it, and to be fitted or prepared for it.
To stand — With joy and triumph: not to fall before him as his enemies.
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The Upper Room Ministries
PO Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004 United States
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Sermon Story "The Coming Days" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 29 November 2015 with Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14 “Here, the days are coming,” says Adonai, “when I will fulfill this good promise which I have proclaimed for the house of Isra’el and the house of Y’hudah.
15 When those days come, at that time,
I will cause to spring up for David
a Branch of Righteousness.
He will do what is just and right in the land.
16 When those days come, Y’hudah will be saved,
Yerushalayim will live in safety,
and the name given to her will be
Adonai Tzidkenu [Adonai our Righteousness].”
---------------------
We coem to realize that as we read the Scripture for today, God through the prophet was attempting to encourage the Israelites as conqueored and exiled people or soon to be conquered and exile that God will not forgive them. In this short pasage we can see where God is going to send a root of David to be ruler over all of Israel and that there will be be peace on all sides of Israel while all the nations will honor Israel and worship their God. In this passage, we see the coming of the Messiah which was fulfilled in the coming of Yeshua on the earth to be born, suffer, die, be buried, be resurrected, and ascend back into the Heavens. Yet, even with the coming of the Messiah Yeshua, the full promise will not be fulfilled until He returns in all of His Glory to set up Heaven on Earth with eternal peace and salvation. We are living in the inbetween times yet God is calling us to work with Him to recreate His creation on earth as it is in Heaven. This includes the full and active inclusion in His church of people who have been marginalised such as the people who are differently abled. We read and reflect on this passage asking: How do I understand this message for today? How have I lived out God's Message in love and mercy in recreating His creation? What is God asking me to be and do for His Kingdom? We come to seek God's Blessings and Power to be all we are called to be in coming and eating the Body of Jesus and Drinking His Blood in our participation of the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. We come to receive from God singing the Hymn "Soon and Very Soon" by Andre Crouch:
Chorus:
Soon and very soon we are going to see the king x3
Halelujha, halelujha, were going to see the king (sp)
No more cryin there, we are going to see the king X3
Halelujha, halelujha, were going to see the king (sp)
Bridge:
Should there be any rivers we must cross
Should there be any mountains we must climb
God will supplt all the strength that we need
Give us strength till we reach the other side... go in to verse
Verse:
We have come from every nation, God has already signed our name. Jesus took his blood and he washed my sins.. he washed them all away. Yet there are those of us who have laid down our lives but we all shall meet again on the other side... soon and very soon.
Chorus:
Soon and very soon we are going to see the king x3
Halelujha, halelujha, were going to see the king (sp)
No more cryin there, we are going to see the king X3
Halelujha, halelujha, were going to see the king (sp)
Bridge:
Should there be any rivers we must cross
Should there be any mountains we must climb
God will supplt all the strength that we need
Give us strength till we reach the other side... go in to verse
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Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1
San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
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Sermon Story "The Coming Days" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 29 November 2015 with Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14 “Here, the days are coming,” says Adonai, “when I will fulfill this good promise which I have proclaimed for the house of Isra’el and the house of Y’hudah.
15 When those days come, at that time,
I will cause to spring up for David
a Branch of Righteousness.
He will do what is just and right in the land.
16 When those days come, Y’hudah will be saved,
Yerushalayim will live in safety,
and the name given to her will be
Adonai Tzidkenu [Adonai our Righteousness].”
---------------------
We coem to realize that as we read the Scripture for today, God through the prophet was attempting to encourage the Israelites as conqueored and exiled people or soon to be conquered and exile that God will not forgive them. In this short pasage we can see where God is going to send a root of David to be ruler over all of Israel and that there will be be peace on all sides of Israel while all the nations will honor Israel and worship their God. In this passage, we see the coming of the Messiah which was fulfilled in the coming of Yeshua on the earth to be born, suffer, die, be buried, be resurrected, and ascend back into the Heavens. Yet, even with the coming of the Messiah Yeshua, the full promise will not be fulfilled until He returns in all of His Glory to set up Heaven on Earth with eternal peace and salvation. We are living in the inbetween times yet God is calling us to work with Him to recreate His creation on earth as it is in Heaven. This includes the full and active inclusion in His church of people who have been marginalised such as the people who are differently abled. We read and reflect on this passage asking: How do I understand this message for today? How have I lived out God's Message in love and mercy in recreating His creation? What is God asking me to be and do for His Kingdom? We come to seek God's Blessings and Power to be all we are called to be in coming and eating the Body of Jesus and Drinking His Blood in our participation of the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. We come to receive from God singing the Hymn "Soon and Very Soon" by Andre Crouch:
Chorus:
Soon and very soon we are going to see the king x3
Halelujha, halelujha, were going to see the king (sp)
No more cryin there, we are going to see the king X3
Halelujha, halelujha, were going to see the king (sp)
Bridge:
Should there be any rivers we must cross
Should there be any mountains we must climb
God will supplt all the strength that we need
Give us strength till we reach the other side... go in to verse
Verse:
We have come from every nation, God has already signed our name. Jesus took his blood and he washed my sins.. he washed them all away. Yet there are those of us who have laid down our lives but we all shall meet again on the other side... soon and very soon.
Chorus:
Soon and very soon we are going to see the king x3
Halelujha, halelujha, were going to see the king (sp)
No more cryin there, we are going to see the king X3
Halelujha, halelujha, were going to see the king (sp)
Bridge:
Should there be any rivers we must cross
Should there be any mountains we must climb
God will supplt all the strength that we need
Give us strength till we reach the other side... go in to verse
---------------------
Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1
San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
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The Upper Room Daily Devotion in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "First Sunday of Advent" for Sunday, 29 November 2015 - Scripture: Matthew 1:18 Here is how the birth of Yeshua the Messiah took place. When his mother Miryam was engaged to Yosef, before they were married, she was found to be pregnant from the Ruach HaKodesh. 19 Her husband-to-be, Yosef, was a man who did what was right; so he made plans to break the engagement quietly, rather than put her to public shame. 20 But while he was thinking about this, an angel of Adonai appeared to him in a dream and said, “Yosef, son of David, do not be afraid to take Miryam home with you as your wife; for what has been conceived in her is from the Ruach HaKodesh. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Yeshua, [which means ‘Adonai saves,’] because he will save his people from their sins.”22 All this happened in order to fulfill what Adonai had said through the prophet,
23 “The virgin will conceive and bear a son,
and they will call him ‘Immanu El.”[Matthew 1:23 Isaiah 7:14]
(The name means, “God is with us.”)
24 When Yosef awoke he did what the angel of Adonai had told him to do — he took Miryam home to be his wife, 25 but he did not have sexual relations with her until she had given birth to a son, and he named him Yeshua.
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An angel said to Joseph, “[Mary] will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”[Matthew 1:21 (NRSV)]
It was Christmas week, and I had to head home to lead the Christmas services. My 18-year-old son was supposed to go with me; but that night in his quiet hospital room I had learned that his broken neck had developed an infection, and his quadriplegia was permanent. When Christmas carolers came down the hall singing, “We wish you a merry Christmas!” and “Deck the halls with boughs of holly,” I closed the door. How could any grieving person celebrate Christmas with such cheery songs?
Later, I stood at the dark window staring through the fog at the dim, colored lights across the way. Then I felt God saying to me, “On that first Christmas no pretty lights adorned the streets of Bethlehem, no carolers were on the roads, no pretty presents around the stable. In the midst of a world of so much darkness and despair, your Savior came as a helpless babe in a manger, to love you back to wholeness.”
The prophet Micah wrote, “You, O Bethlehem . . . are only a small village. . . . Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you” (Micah 5:1-2). That ruler — Christ the Lord — will save his people. Christmas is for those who have no joy and no home — for all those who have lost their way. Surely that Christmas was for my son and me.
The Author: George Nye (Oregon, USA)
Thought for the Day: We can celebrate God’s gift of Jesus with both silence and singing.
Prayer: Holy God, bless us and comfort us according to our need. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL AT CHRISTMASTIME
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An angel said to Joseph, “[Mary] will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”[Matthew 1:21 (NRSV)]
It was Christmas week, and I had to head home to lead the Christmas services. My 18-year-old son was supposed to go with me; but that night in his quiet hospital room I had learned that his broken neck had developed an infection, and his quadriplegia was permanent. When Christmas carolers came down the hall singing, “We wish you a merry Christmas!” and “Deck the halls with boughs of holly,” I closed the door. How could any grieving person celebrate Christmas with such cheery songs?
Later, I stood at the dark window staring through the fog at the dim, colored lights across the way. Then I felt God saying to me, “On that first Christmas no pretty lights adorned the streets of Bethlehem, no carolers were on the roads, no pretty presents around the stable. In the midst of a world of so much darkness and despair, your Savior came as a helpless babe in a manger, to love you back to wholeness.”
The prophet Micah wrote, “You, O Bethlehem . . . are only a small village. . . . Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you” (Micah 5:1-2). That ruler — Christ the Lord — will save his people. Christmas is for those who have no joy and no home — for all those who have lost their way. Surely that Christmas was for my son and me.
The Author: George Nye (Oregon, USA)
Thought for the Day: We can celebrate God’s gift of Jesus with both silence and singing.
Prayer: Holy God, bless us and comfort us according to our need. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL AT CHRISTMASTIME
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Contact Information:
Great Plains Episcopal Office
9440 E Boston, Suite 160
Wichita Kansas 67207, United States
316-686-0600
800-745-2350
info@greatplainsumc.org
____________________________
Great Plains Episcopal Office
9440 E Boston, Suite 160
Wichita Kansas 67207, United States
316-686-0600
800-745-2350
info@greatplainsumc.org
____________________________
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