https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoqP-tX4nQc&list=PLAV7hQToHN7TRDKbJNMePsR8gj92Rdigb&index=30
Welcome to Covenant of Hope Ministries and our combined written and live Sunday sermon. You will normally see us posted in written and live form on Sunday. I am Rev. Laura A. Neff. Our ministry was built on the truth of God’s love and sharing the Word of God, the Spirit of Christ Jesus in a way that we believe embraces the ways Jesus taught us to manage. We bring His Word to the many as opposed to the few, in order to continue the legacy created by the ministry of Jesus Christ.
You will find us in the following location: http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com
Rev. Laura’s other sites: Facebook & Blogspot & Twitter & Linkedin & USAlife & YouTube
Wedding officiant page: Wedfolio
Prayer List: We have many on our prayer list. Some wish to remain anonymous, and others only wish to have their first names mentioned. Our prayer list grows or changes every week. This is our current list.
- Please continue to pray for my grandson Levi now two weeks and more after his birth at 34 weeks. So far he is eating well and is alert and following faces and voices, both excellent signs for being born prematurely. He is a little jaundiced, which is keeping him in the NICU for the time being.
- Please also keep my daughter-in-law Rebecca in your prayers that she continues to heal and does well after the marathon she went through on the eighth, and on through most of the past three weeks too.
- My daughter and son-in-law say thank you for the prayers. They moved into their new house yesterday, at long last.
- Pray for my friend Jeff’s father-in-law who is in the hospital with COVID-pneumonia.
- Pray for my nephew Peyton, who has pneumonia.
- Pray for the travelers this Christmas, that they arrive at their destination safely and return home just as safely.
- Please pray for my friend Jessica who has been recovering from an illness that caused all sorts of issues for almost two weeks.
- Please pray for a young man named Tyrone, who hurt his knee at work quite recently and is on the slow road toward healing.
- Please pray for Evangelist Cal Jennings who continues to have issues with pain and pain relief of late and other respiratory and circulatory issues. He has come off one medication that was causing issues with vertigo and is much better at the moment.
- Please continue praying for Evangelist Cal Jennings’ sister who has been in rehabilitation after having her benign brain tumor removed.
- Pray for the war torn countries of Israel and Kuwait at this time.
- Pray for the victims and survivors of the attacks by Hamas.
- Pray for the victims of the many shootings around this world this past week.
- Please keep several friends and other family members in prayer for their trials and tribulations. They have each requested to remain anonymous for the time being.
One who has come to me with fear and worry in their life regarding serious health issues and more going on. Pray that they find a solution to the health issues and improve their life in many ways at long last (SGE).
Several who are having money issues of varying degrees.
There are a few who are having chronic ongoing health issues, and diseases including cancer for several of them.
One who is continually suffering from loneliness that keeps them from peace and patience.
One cousin is having a great many issues in their family including several diagnoses that are a lot to process for them.
- Continue praying for our uncle who is now in rehabilitation while suffering from cancer, for which he will undergo treatment soon. Our aunt, his wife, is also suffering from cancer, due for a double mastectomy and treatment as well. They both thank you all for your prayers.
- Pray for those who have suffered from violent events, that they heal and do not have scarred psyches and that those who have lost their loved ones to violence find peace in the face of fear.
- Pray for comfort and solace to be shared with those who have said farewell to a loved one this week, known or unknown.
- Be thankful for each day we live as we do not know what
tomorrow brings.
- Pray for our nations that the voice of God be heard through the Spirit.
- Pray for our friends and families that their tomorrows bring blessings and
pray our own be the same.
- Pray for those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of faith and hope.
- Pray for our sick and wounded that they may heal.
- Pray for those who are serving our countries around this world.
- Pray for peace on earth and good will to men as Scripture shares.
Prayer: Father in heaven, we are here to lift up our voices to You in prayer. This week we celebrate our Lord and Savior and the memory of His momentous birth. Help us to remember the reason for the season is to love one another as Jesus loves us, and as You have always loved us. Help us to learn patience, and to persevere even in the toughest of times. Help this world find peace after devastating war on too many fronts, healing after devastation, and hope in the midst of despair. Help those who are missing loved ones that cannot be here with them this Christmas. Help those who live with their memories so that they can also be present in the here and now even with those old pains and sorrows creeping to the surface. We pray for all of this in Your Holy Name, through our Savior Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.
Opening Song: Born on Christmas Day ~ Brad Paisley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQpZE7uni1g
Sermon: Today we are revisiting the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ on this beautiful Christmas Eve day. There is so much for us to learn about regarding the birth of this Eternal Savior named Jesus Christ, the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary and cared for by His human father, Joseph. Let’s begin this journey here.
Luke 2:1-5 KJV – And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
NIV – In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
Now, we may not have to travel to the cities of our birth to pay taxes in this day and age, but in the days of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, this was a normal thing that occurred for every person, and it was not an easy trip like it would be today. Imagine you are taking your wife, heavily pregnant with her first child, clear across the country from where you live every day. Think about it this way, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, where His earthly father was born. However, Joseph didn’t live there full time. He, in actuality lived in Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. Here are supporting verses that connect. Now, remember, none of our studies of these first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke reference any other Scriptures in order as shared in our Bible.
Matthew 1:18 KJV – Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
NIV – This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
It is important to revisit the moment of miraculous birth that Jesus was because it is such a significant point in Christian faith. This little boy was a miracle in every sense of the word. His birth to a virgin, born in a stable and this is what that was like.
Luke 2:6-10 KJV – And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
NIV – While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Now, it’s important for the historical reference and also for the Scriptural one to have Jesus born to a virgin who had never known a man intimately. This is regardless that in those days women could be stoned to death for pregnancy outside of marriage. Joseph stood up for his soon to be wife, Mary. He dismissed the evil intent of those around him because the angel of God had come to him to prove that the birth of Jesus was a miraculous event managed by God Himself to ensure that salvation for all humanity would be possible. Here is more about this promise Joseph made.
Matthew 1:25 KJV – And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.
NIV – But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
The biggest moment for Christianity is the resurrection. However, we couldn’t have the resurrection without the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. This is that moment as told in the gospel of Luke.
Luke 2:11-15 KJV – For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
NIV – Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
There is a lot of foretelling and foreshadowing throughout Scripture. We see a lot of the foreshadowing through the words of the prophet Isaiah. God promised both David and Solomon that their kingdom would be eternal at some point. God proved this fact with the union of Mary and Joseph, each of them descendants of King David. Here we see this alluded to.
Isaiah 9:6 KJV – For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
NIV – For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Psalm 148:2 KJV – Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.
NIV – Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Daniel 7:10 KJV – A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
NIV – A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.
So how does this connect to today? Well, there are a lot of connections. John the Beloved’s Revelation would point to one far-reaching connection and the reason Jesus was born and laid in that manger on the very first Christmas Day.
Revelation 5:11 KJV – And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
NIV – Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.
Now, the birth of Jesus is, as it was, something worthy of recognition. This is why the angels were singing in the heavens. It is also why the shepherds and the Magi traveled to the lowly manger where our Savior spent His first days on this earth. It’s important for us to realize that the humble beginnings of Jesus prove that humility is an important grace to maintain. It’s also one of the hardest ones to keep going in life.
Matthew 21:9 KJV – And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
NIV – The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
We again see more insight through the words of the prophet Isaiah.
Isaiah 57:19 KJV – I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him.
NIV – creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the Lord. “And I will heal them.”
The shepherds and the Magi were proof that everything witnessed in this world proves it to be true and real. Jesus Himself said “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)” This is the reason that the angels were watching from the heavens, why the shepherds followed the star to the stable and why the Magi did the same. God wants all walks of life to realize and recognize Him in all His glory and the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ was just one of many things to come to pass that required this consideration. We see this here.
Luke 2:16-20 KJV – And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
NIV – So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Did you ever wonder if anyone envied Jesus Christ with His ability to connect to God the way He did? Oh, most surely there were those who did so. We’ve seen what the trouble of envy can do to this world. That’s why it is known as one of the seven troubles. We see a reference to this with Joseph, son of Jacob here.
Genesis 37:11 KJV – And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.
NIV – His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Now, one of the important steps for all those of the Jewish faith is known as circumcision, which occurs on the eighth day of a baby boy’s life. This is the description of that moment for Jesus.
Luke 2:21-25 KJV – And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
NIV –
On the
eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the
name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
Jesus Presented in the
Temple
When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
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.
The presentation of Jesus in the temple was also foretold, and Simeon knew that this was his last moment on the earth. For him, the birth of Jesus was the miracle he had waited for many years by then. He knew that now he could die knowing that he’d been part of the earliest memories of our Lord and Savior. Here is the history of the existence of the circumcision. It includes the sacrifice of the first fruits of the field.
Leviticus 12:2-8 KJV – Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled. But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days. And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: Who shall offer it before the Lord, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female. And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.
NIV – “Say to the Israelites: ‘A woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son will be ceremonially unclean for seven days, just as she is unclean during her monthly period. On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised. Then the woman must wait thirty-three days to be purified from her bleeding. She must not touch anything sacred or go to the sanctuary until the days of her purification are over. If she gives birth to a daughter, for two weeks the woman will be unclean, as during her period. Then she must wait sixty-six days to be purified from her bleeding. “‘When the days of her purification for a son or daughter are over, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the tent of meeting a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a dove for a sin offering. He shall offer them before the Lord to make atonement for her, and then she will be ceremonially clean from her flow of blood. “‘These are the regulations for the woman who gives birth to a boy or a girl. But if she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.’”
Exodus 22:29 KJV – Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.
NIV – “Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats. “You must give me the firstborn of your sons.
Leviticus 27:26 KJV – Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the Lord's firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether it be ox, or sheep: it is the Lord's.
NIV – “‘No one, however, may dedicate the firstborn of an animal, since the firstborn already belongs to the Lord; whether an ox or a sheep, it is the Lord’s.
Isaiah 40:1 KJV – Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
NIV – Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
This is the revelation that Simeon had prior to meeting Jesus that day in the temple.
Luke 2:26-30 KJV – And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
NIV – 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,
Deliverance, that’s something every person wants to happen. We want, and need, to be delivered from the evil in this world. We have a great many references for this. Today we have one from David the first king of the Jews and also from the Hebrew prophets.
Psalm 89:48 KJV – What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.
NIV – Who can live and not see death, or who can escape the power of the grave?
Hebrews 11:5 KJV – By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
NIV – By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
Jesus Himself pointed out that evil is everywhere. He also pointed out that we can leave those nasty seven troubles behind if we focus on Him and achieving salvation. This is one of those moments for Jesus.
Matthew 4:1 KJV – Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
NIV – Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
As we live on this earth each day, at least one person will ask, “Why am I here?” Remember, that question was asked in many different ways from the beginning of Scripture to the end. Here are examples of this.
Genesis 46:30 KJV – And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.
NIV – Israel said to Joseph, “Now I am ready to die, since I have seen for myself that you are still alive.”
Philippians 1:23 KJV – For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
NIV – I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
Psalm 119:166 KJV – Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
NIV – I wait for your salvation, Lord, and I follow your commands.
Psalm 119:174 KJV – I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight.
NIV – I long for your salvation, Lord, and your law gives me delight.
Isaiah 52:10 KJV – The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
NIV – The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.
The birth of a Savior is a monumental achievement. How many of us have long wondered what this world is headed for. This past year has not been any different in this aspect. We’ve seen the dreariness of life in too many ways, wars that should never have begun, and more. Remembering the hope of our Lord and Savior’s birth can push all those thoughts aside. Focus in on your faith, and work to build it up each and every day. There is a reason for this season. We need to jog our memories for that specific reason. Here is more from the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke.
Luke 2:31-35 KJV – Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
NIV – 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.”
Again we see a lot of foreshadowing through the eyes of the prophet Isaiah. Here are just a few of those.
Isaiah 9:2 KJV – The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
NIV – The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Isaiah 42:6 KJV – I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
NIV – “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,
Isaiah 60:1-3 KJV – Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
NIV – “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
We see more of this in the words of the gospel of Matthew.
Matthew 4:16 KJV – The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
NIV – the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
Here are four more connections from Isaiah, Hosea, the Psalms of David and the gospel of John the Beloved.
Isaiah 8:14 KJV – And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
NIV – He will be a holy place; for both Israel and Judah he will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare.
Hosea 8:14 KJV – For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.
NIV – Israel has forgotten their Maker and built palaces; Judah has fortified many towns. But I will send fire on their cities that will consume their fortresses.”
Psalm 42:10 KJV – As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
NIV – My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
John 19:25 KJV – Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
NIV – Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
The last of the second chapter of Luke that we will focus on today is this one. Remember, when Jesus said to His disciples, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)” We are now His messengers. We are His voice here on earth until eternal life is achieved. It’s important to realize the significance of the birth of Jesus would have as we see this from the prophetess Anna in the temple on the day Jesus was presented for circumcision.
Luke 2:36-40 KJV – And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
NIV – There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
It is important to remember the origins of our salvation were created far, far, back in history. We see this with the prophet Joshua and also in the words of the gospel writer, Mark.
Joshua 19:24 KJV – And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.
NIV – The fifth lot came out for the tribe of Asher according to its clans.
Mark 15:43 KJV – Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
NIV – Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.
Gaining knowledge of Scripture opens a one on one conversation with God through our Savior Jesus. Connecting with each other to celebrate our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ here in this place helps us to confirm the words of our Savior in that moment in the gospel of Matthew. Faith and belief in God go hand in hand, and all of us have the opportunity to walk in the faithful steps of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The ability to do this requires us to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If you are willing to do so, please leave me a note in the comments and I’ll be in touch. Now that’s something to think about as we pray in the prayer that Jesus taught us saying:
Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)
Closing Song: Angels We Have Heard On High https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHWqj6gKS9g
~ Shalom ~
Rev. Laura A. Neff
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Evangelist Calvin Jennings
Covenant of Hope Ministries Main Site: http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com
Scripture Excerpts: The New Open Bible Study Edition: Copyright © 1990: Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc.
Scripture Excerpts: Holy Bible: Copyright © 1982: E. E. Gaddy and Associates, Inc.
Scripture Excerpts: Holy Bible: Copyright ©circa 1890-1910: International Bible Press, The John C. Winston Co.; Philadelphia, PA, USA
Sermon or Study Copyright © 2023 http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com
Our mission for Covenant of Hope Ministries is not to
exploit fear, but to conquer it, and overcome all that is
created through fear
together as the bringers of the
light of Jesus found in the midst of darkness.
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