Daily Bible Verse: Luke 2:40

We don't get a lot of insight into Jesus's childhood.  There's the story of his teaching in the temple around the age of 12, but we don't get much in the way of childhood stories.  What we do get is this verse, which is brief but tells us that Jesus grew and not only became strong, but also grew in wisdom.  We know that he is growing and evolving and, most importantly, that God's favor was upon him throughout his childhood and his entire life.

Daily Bible Verse: Galatians 4:6-7

These verses follow the ones posted on Sunday of this week and continue that theme of being children of God.  We are so beloved as God's children we are encouraged to call God Abba, which translates closer to Daddy than Father,  a term which gives us an idea of the intimacy involved in this relationship.

Daily Bible Verse: Psalm 148:1

Praise the Lord in everything you do today!

Daily Bible Verse: Isaiah 61:10

I love the book of Isaiah for many reasons, but especially for the imagery.  Rejoicing in God is a common enough theme throughout the bible, especially in the Old Testament, but here we have someone who is rejoicing with their entire being.  Then they describe how God has clothed them as a bride and groom are clothed, which reinforces the idea of rejoicing because weddings tend to be joyful occasions.

Daily Bible Verse: Luke 2:25-32

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." (source)

I love the faithfulness in these verses.  Simeon is faithful in his belief that he WILL see the Messiah, and faithful in listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  God is faithful in keeping that promise made to Simeon.  If only we could all be as faithful and reciprocal in our relationships.  I look to figures like Simeon to remind me not only to be faithful and trusting in God's promises, but to pay attention to the promptings of the Spirit, so that I too might see the light of Christ in my life.

Merry Christmas!

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did  not overcome it. (John 1:5, NRSV)

Merry Christmas!  May the light of Christ shine in your hearts and lives today, and every day.

All-powerful and unseen God, the coming of your light into our world has brightened weary hearts with peace. Call us out of darkness, and empower us to proclaim the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.  (Source)