PONDER: REDEMPTION

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. ~Luke 2:33-38

He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name. ~Psalm 111:9

O Israel, wait and watch for God— with God’s arrival comes love, with God’s arrival comes generous redemption. No doubt about it—he’ll redeem Israel, buy back Israel from captivity to sin. ~Psalm 130:7-8 MSG

… Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. ~Luke 2:19

What words or phrases stand out to you (what is the Spirit highlighting to you)? Why do you think this is?
What does redemption mean to you? What might it mean for our world, especially today?
What might God be saying to you? To your neighbours?
How might the Spirit be nudging you to respond?

You might want to journal your responses.

PRAYER PROMPTS

Calm us to wait for the gift of Christ;
Cleanse us to prepare the way for Christ;
Teach us to contemplate the wonder of Christ;
Touch us to know the presence of Christ;
Anoint us to bear the life of Christ. Amen

Ray Simpson, Celtic Worship Through the Year,

PRACTICE: CREATION CARE

Express gratitude for the beauty and wonder of God’ creation.

How does creation communicate God’s redemptive presence and work?
How can you demonstrate this week that you care for creation?