Invitation — Psalm 100:1-2
"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs."
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 101:1-4, 6
I will sing of your love and justice;
to you, Lord, I will sing praise.
I will be careful to lead a blameless life —
when will you come to me?
I will conduct the affairs of my house
with a blameless heart.
I will not look with approval
on anything that is vile.
I hate what faithless people do;
I will have no part in it.
The perverse of heart shall be far from me;
I will have nothing to do with what is evil...
My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,
that they may dwell with me;
those whose walk is blameless
will minister to me.
Bible Reading — Luke 2:25-35
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."
The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
Quiet
Dwelling
Read again slowly ... find a word or phrase that catches your eye or moves your heart ... slowly repeat it ... pray your thoughts, desires, needs, and feelings from your meditation ... enjoy the presence of your Lord and Savior.
Free Prayer
- for the joy of salvation to be experienced
- for a deeper understanding of the gospel
- for family members and friends who do not yet have faith
Prayer — BC 20
Faithful God, in our world, where evil is serious, pain is no illusion, and our guilt is real, open our eyes to see how justice and mercy take the shape of a Savior dying on a cross for us. With Simeon, may all people see that your justice and mercy meet when Jesus is born for our salvation. Amen.
Blessing — Luke 1:68
"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them."