Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God's Sunrise will break in upon us, Shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, Then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace.
Luke 1v78&79
So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel. An Event for Everyone There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master.
Luke 2v4-11
With my own eyes I've seen your salvation; it's now out in the open for everyone to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel. Jesus' father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words. Simeon went on to bless them, and said to Mary his mother, This child marks both the failure and the recovery of many in Israel, A figure misunderstood and contradicted - the pain of a sword-thrust through you - But the rejection will force honesty, as God reveals who they really are.
Luke 2v30-35
Our prayer for you this Christmas season...
May it be one that unsettles you, takes you out of your comfort zones, is a time of contradiction.
May it be for you one of joy, of fellowship, of fun.
May it seed an unrest in your hearts for those with no family, with no liberty, with no laughter.
May it be one full of spiritual moments, of expectation, of celebration.
May it be one of selflessness, of giving, of peace.
May it be a blessing on you, your family, your friends.
May it stir you to be a blessing for them, for others and for this world.
May it be the start of a new season in your life.
Technorati Tags: Christmas: Prayer: Spirituality: Worship
Amen and amen.
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.
I hope we can meet up next year!
Posted by: David | 23/12/2006 at 18:08
The words of Simeon in this translation have spoken to me in a way that the more conventional translations have not.
Thank you.
Posted by: Ross Garner | 27/12/2006 at 09:34