Note: (CL) = Controling Lesson (OT) = Old Testament (OTA) = Old Testament Alternative (NT) = New Testament (NTA) = New Testament Alternative (G) = Gospel (GA) = Gospel Alternative (Ps) = Psalm; one of these will follow all lessons for the week.

Note: Please be sure to look at previous posts because some of the week may have already been posted.


Tuesday, December 31, 2013

The Day of Epiphany (CL)

Luke 1:46-56
46 And Mary said,
       “My soul magnifies the Lord,
47        and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48    for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49    for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50    And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51    He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52    he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53    he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54    He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55    as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

Mary remains with Elizabeth until approximately the birth of John the Baptist. She sings this song of praise to God for looking upon her humility. Mary has received a blessing of which she definitely does not feel worthy. She praises God not only for what he does for her, but for what God is doing for all his people.

Epiphany is traditionally the celebration of the coming of the Maji. This is God coming to the Nations and not just the people of Israel. Baby Jesus is not just for the lost children of Israel, or shepherds in his field, but for all nations.

Mary recognizes God is humbling the mighty and the prideful people of this world. God continues to use the foolish to shame the wise. God tears down the mighty of this world from their thrones. Jesus will judge the living and the dead. He will judge each of us for the way we treat our fellow man. God continues to fill the hungry with good things. He will provide for all people their needs, likewise he sacrifices his only Son for your salvation.

OT: 1 Samuel 1:21-28
OTA: Isaiah 57:14-21
NT: Acts 14:8-23
NTA: James 4:1-10
GA: Matthew 2:1-12
Ps: 1 Samuel 2:1-10

O God, by the leading of a star You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles.  Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.(L11)


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