Simeon and Anna react with joy when Jesus is brought to the temple. This is what they’ve been waiting and watching for over the years. What are we looking to find as we enter a new year?
Special worship schedule this week: One service on January 1st at 10:00 a.m.
Devotions for this week: Simeon and Anna January 1, 2017
SHARE: What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding:
Sunday: Simeon and Anna, Luke 2:21-38
Monday: Purification of a Woman after Childbirth, Leviticus 12:1-8
Tuesday: The Law Concerning Dedication of Firstborns, Exodus 13:1-16
Wednesday: Levites Become Substitutes for Firstborns, Numbers 3:40-51
Thursday: God’s Servant, Isaiah 42:1-9
Friday: The Boy Jesus Is Found in the Temple, Luke 2:39-52
Saturday: Laws Concerning Festivals, Exodus 23:10-17
TALK: Consider some of these ideas:
Simeon took [Jesus] in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace Luke 2:28
Two long suffering servants, Simeon and Anna, are about to have the moment for which they have spent their lives waiting. If we pay attention, we might recognize Jesus in unexpected places in the new year.
- What kinds of rites and rituals are tied to infants in Jesus’ day?
- Where do you see Jesus in the world? Where would you like to see Jesus in the world?
- What’s the meaning of your name? How does your name, title, or identity shape how behave in the world? How does it shape how people treat you? How can you honor your family name? How can your name honor you?
PRAY: O Lord, sometimes we encounter you in unexpected places. May we meet you with joy and honor you in our speaking and acting. In your holy name we pray, Amen.
BLESS: May God bless you with wisdom to share with future generations. Amen.
