Sunday, December 31, 2023

Pastor Cheryl Arnold

Our Spirit Waits: What Are We Waiting For?

Scripture

 Psalm 148, New Revised Standard Version

1  Praise the LORD!

Praise the LORD from the heavens;

    praise him in the heights!

2  Praise him, all his angels;

    praise him, all his host!

3  Praise him, sun and moon;

    praise him, all you shining stars!

4  Praise him, you highest heavens

    and you waters above the heavens!

5  Let them praise the name of the LORD,

    for he commanded and they were created.

6  He established them forever and ever;

    he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed. [a]

7  Praise the LORD from the earth,

    you sea monsters and all deeps,

8  fire and hail, snow and frost,

    stormy wind fulfilling his command!

9  Mountains and all hills,

    fruit trees and all cedars!

10  Wild animals and all cattle,

    creeping things and flying birds!

11  Kings of the earth and all peoples,

    princes and all rulers of the earth!

12  Young men and women alike,

    old and young together!

13  Let them praise the name of the LORD,

    for his name alone is exalted;

    his glory is above earth and heaven.

14  He has raised up a horn for his people,

    praise for all his faithful,

    for the people of Israel who are close to him.

Praise the LORD!

Luke 2:22-40, Common English Bible

22 When the time came for their ritual cleansing, in accordance with the Law from Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (23 It’s written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord.”) 24 They offered a sacrifice in keeping with what’s stated in the Law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

25 A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout. He eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Jesus’ parents brought the child to the temple so that they could do what was customary under the Law. 28 Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said,

29 “Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word,
30     because my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples.
32 It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles
    and a glory for your people Israel.”

33 His father and mother were amazed by what was said about him. 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.”

36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, who belonged to the tribe of Asher. She was very old. After she married, she lived with her husband for seven years. 37 She was now an 84-year-old widow. She never left the temple area but worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When Mary and Joseph had completed everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown, Nazareth in Galilee. 40 The child grew up and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.