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| MINES VIEW PARK, BAGUIO CITY December 28, 2023 |
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.
LUKE 2:40
Jesus came as a child, humble and meek, born in a manger, no place for the weak. But He was the Son of God, the Word made flesh, the hope of the world, the Savior of the oppressed. He grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. He learned from His parents, and obeyed the Father's plan. He amazed the teachers in the temple, with His understanding and His answers. He revealed the mysteries of the kingdom, with His parables and His wonders. He was full of grace and truth, and the Spirit without measure. He healed the sick and raised the dead, and gave the poor His treasure. He was tempted in every way, yet He did not sin. He suffered for our sake, and died to make us win. He rose from the grave, victorious and alive. He ascended to heaven, to prepare us a place and a bride. He is the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the one we adore
There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty- four. She never left the temple, but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. (Luke 2:36-40)
Jesus came from heaven, not to be served, but to serve. He laid down His life, not to be spared, but to save. He obeyed the Father, not to please Himself, but to glorify. He fulfilled the Scriptures, not to prove Himself, but to testify. He faced the cross, not to avoid the pain, but to endure. He bore our sins, not to condemn us, but to forgive. He shed His blood, not to stain us, but to cleanse. He gave His Spirit, not to leave us, but to indwell. He conquered death, not to stay in the grave, but to rise. He showed His wounds, not to shame us, but to heal. He opened His arms, not to reject us, but to embrace. He gave His promise, not to forget us, but to return.
I am writing to you, children, because your sins have been forgiven for his name’s sake. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have conquered the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong and the word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the evil one. Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world. Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever. (1 John 2:12-17)
Give to the Lord with a cheerful heart for He is the source of all you have. Give to the Lord with a grateful mind for He is the one who gives you life. Give to the Lord with a generous hand for He is the provider of your needs. Give to the Lord with a faithful spirit for He is the rewarder of your deeds. Give to the Lord with a joyful song for He is the maker of your voice. Give to the Lord with a humble soul for He is the reason for your rejoice.
Give to the Lord, you families of nations, give to the Lord glory and praise; give to the Lord the glory due his name! Bring gifts, and enter his courts; worship the Lord in holy attire. Tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations: the Lord is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity. (Psalm 96:7-8, 8-9, 10)
Lord, I want to do Your will but sometimes I don't know how. There are so many voices in the world that try to drown me out. Sometimes I'm afraid, there are so many challenges in life that make me doubt Your ways. Sometimes I'm too weak, there are so many temptations in the flesh that make me lose my streak. But then I hear Your gentle voice that whispers in my ear saying, "My child, I'm with you always, you have nothing to fear. I have a plan for your life that only I can fulfill. Trust in Me and follow Me and you will do My will." Fill me with Your wisdom O Lord and may Your favor be always upon me. I humbly give you my all in Jesus Name. Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Infancy Narrative
THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE / THE RETURN TO NAZARETH
Luke 2:22-38 / 30-40
MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY
1 John 2:12-17
Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106
GOD OF THE UNIVERSE
Psalm 96:1-13