Following the Star

Pause

Breathe in this good news of great joy! Take a deep breath.

For you….yes, YOU, Jesus was born. A savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it.

Keep breathing, in praise to our God who makes all things new this Christmas season.

Listen

His father and mother were amazed by what was said about him. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.”

Luke 2:33-35

Think

Joseph and Mary were honored to receive a blessing from Simeon. They were amazed at what was being said about their newborn baby, and then Simeon looked directly at Mary. You can feel the tension in the room as Simeon wonders if he should say anything else. Simeon just wanted to hold that baby and know a little bit of peace before he died. Would it help to get involved and stir things up? Here they were in a holy place, and he had seen something in Mary’s future that she needed to know. It was no longer about Simeon; he had to tell her what was ahead.

“A sword will pierce through your soul,” he said.

Most of us would have walked away because we don’t want to get too involved with Jesus. We will take Christmas but not the everyday following kind of involvement. Or will we?

This is the end of 2020. (It’s about time!)

It’s a chance to let go of some things and decide who we are going to be this coming year.

Michelle Thomas-Bush

Pray

God, walk with me through this day. Guide my feet to follow your son. Open my eyes to see people as you see them. Help me love each person I meet as you love them. Amen.

Go

Take a deep breath and be present every moment of every day of 2021.

Love with intention. Be the Church.

Practice radical hospitality. Celebrate others.

May the grace of God fill your days so that you cannot help but respond to all of life with exuberant joy!