#ComeSunday #SermonNotes: In the days leading up to Sunday worship, we share a brief sermon summary and questions for devotion and reflection. Follow us on our website and on facebook to stay up to date!
Luke 2:15-20 (Common English Bible)
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Summary:
Advent means “preparation.” Every Sunday before Christmas, we light a candle to prepare for the birth of Jesus & anticipate Christ’s coming. Through our Advent Worship Series, “Are We There Yet?,” we focus on how we arrive at Christ’s peace, hope, joy & love.
The Gospel of Luke tells of the shepherds’ response of hearing the good news of Christ’s birth . When they saw Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, they rejoiced, told others and returned to offer care for this family. Mary received their love treasuring their care in her heart. In the season, many of us have been waiting to experience true love for a very long time. The Advent season calls us to bring love with us and treasure love when we encounter it. When we bring love on our journey, we arrive at God’s the fullness of God’s love and Jesus’ is born anew in our lives.
Reflection Questions:
- What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
- What does this scripture teach you about love?
- What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?