Christmas Prep4: A Grateful Hope
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:33-38
INTRO: A Hopeful Invitation
https://jimdaly.focusonthefamily.com/a-story-of-presidential-kindness/
WELCOME: to Central: Week 4 of Christmas Prep
Week 1: Repentence – God prepared the Christmas story with John the Baptist first.
Week 2: Deep and Abiding Faith – God prepared for Christmas with Mary making at least 8 references to God Almighty – instead of references to a cute baby.
Week 3: Humility – Do you have a humble heart that makes room for Jesus?
Week 4: Grateful Hope!
Luke 2:25-26 “there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for (anticipating) the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit, that he would not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”
Luke 2:38 “she began to give thanks to God and to speak of (Jesus) to all who were waiting for (anticipating) the redemption of Jerusalem.”
YES IMPORTANT! BUT THEY WERE! They were important to God! And do you know HOW I know they were important to God? God told us their names… and He told us what they said. Their lives mattered because God said they mattered.
God says that Simeon was “righteous and devout” (Luke 2:25).
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Devoted – https://www.thescore.com/news/1973115
Anna was an 84 year old widow who “did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.” (Luke 2:37) Anna was always at the Temple, and she COMMITTED herself to fasting… and to praying night and day.
This is my story, this is my song
I have a hope that’s stronger then the dust I’m standing on
This is my anchor, my cornerstone
This is the anthem I’ll be singing, till the Kingdom comes
I am committed, I’m not ashamed
I pledge my allegiance to Jesus, My King
I am committed, got nothing to hide
I’m not giving up, not selling out, I’m in this for life
I am committed, to Christ
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ILLUS: CHRISTMAS WISH LIST! 10 year old girl.
When Anna saw Jesus “she began to give thanks to God and to speak of (Jesus) to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:38
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the earth,
Every creature was stirring, awaiting a birth.
The time for Messiah was certainly near,
The prophets foretold it; the Bible was clear.
From the book of beginnings, the very first sin,
God’s word made it clear how His grace entered in.
Born of a virgin, He’d come as a man.
The Creator among us, the time was at hand.
The stars were arranged to show marvelous things,
Setting Wise Men to journey and find the true King.
Shepherds in Bethlehem gazed on the sky,
Longing to see him, their Lord the Most High.
How could they know that the very next night
An angel of God would speak words of delight?
How the Savior was born, it was news of great joy.
In a cloth and a manger they’d find the dear boy.
And a heavenly host would soon join to sing
Of the glory of God and of wonderful things.
He entered creation, set position aside
To show us how deeply his love did abide.
Sin sent us away from our almighty Lord.
He became one of us that we might be restored.
He’s the Prince of our Peace; He’s the one who makes whole.
He is Wisdom Incarnate, a Shepherd of Souls.
He’s the Author of Life; He’s the Ruler of All.
He can offer salvation, on His name we call.
The shepherds and Wise Men would bow to adore
Holy God among men, our greatest reward.
All glory and honor is due to this King.
Let all join in worship; let every tongue sing.
Jesus is Lord, all creation proclaims.
He’s the first and last, He is always the same.
History turned on the first Christmas day,
When God became man in a humble display.
As we think of the manger in which He was laid,
Let our hearts welcome Him to the world He made!