In the days after Christmas the wise men came to worship, may the joy of the season still call to people from near and far to see the wonder of Jesus’ life in our midst.
Special Worship Schedule for this week – One worship service this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
(No Saturday Worship this week)
Devotions this week:
December 28, 2014 “The Visit of the Magi”
God revealed the birth of God’s son with the guiding light of a star. Magi from the east followed the star to Bethlehem, where Jesus was living. The star revealed to people beyond the borders of Jesus’ land that God’s son was given for all.
God makes God’s presence known in a variety of wonderful and mysterious ways. Sometimes we see God in the mysteries of this world, like the birth of a child or the majesty of the Grand Canyon. Other times we find God in the voices and actions of other people as they love and care for us. God’s presence can be found everywhere, if we are open and ready to see it.
Follow the visit from the Magi, and see how their gifts were used in their rites and rituals.
Sunday, Matthew 2:1-12, Magi Visit
Monday, Psalm 96:10-13, Psalm
Tuesday, Micah 5:1-6, The Ruler from Bethlehem
Wednesday, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, David Anointed as King
Thursday, Isaiah 6:1-8, A Vision of God; Burning of Frankincense
Friday, Exodus 30:22-32, Anointing Oil and Incense
Saturday, John 19:39-40, Preparing Jesus’ Body for Burial
- What does it say about Jesus that the gifts the magi brought for Jesus were oils and resins used in a variety of rites and rituals?
- What rites and rituals does your community practice? What milestones are lifted up throughout the stages of life?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is a king? What other images for Jesus speak to you?
Look at your calendar for the year ahead. What milestones will you celebrate? How will you mark those occasions? Start planning now to celebrate important milestones in the coming year.
Bless: God who guides the wise, illumine our lives through your word this day. Amen.
