[00:01:44] Lesson One - Isaiah 40:1-8 - God's People are Comforted
[00:02:59] Lesson Two - Isaiah 64:1-9 - God is Called Upon to Act and to Come Among Us
[00:05:06] Lesson Three - Isaiah 11:1-10 - The People Hope
[00:07:17] Lesson Four - Isaiah 9:2-7 - A Child
[00:08:32] Lesson Five - Luke 1:26-38 - The Annunciation- Christ is Born
[00:10:59] Lesson Seven - Luke 2:8-16 - Angels and Shepherds
[00:11:57] Lesson Eight - Matthew 2:1-11 - Wise Men come from the East
[00:13:43] Lesson Nine - John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh
[00:15:41] Prayer
[00:17:29] Blessing
What is Advent?
Advent is the season that begins the church’s yearly cycle of seasons. It starts on the 4th Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. The word Advent comes from the Latin word for “coming”. Advent is marked by expectation and anticipation of Jesus’ coming to humanity.
We remember a very pregnant Mary on a journey to Jerusalem longing to see her child who holds profound promise and hope. We recall that Jesus will be born on Christmas in an animal’s feeding trough among a people who were longing for a Messiah, sent by God, to rescue them.
We hear the cry of John the Baptist calling us to repent and prepare for the coming of the Lord. So, we prepare our hearts and consider our own yearning to experience more of Jesus’ presence in our daily lives.
We also live in anticipation of the Second Coming when Christ will come again to renew creation and defeat evil once and for all. We prepare our hearts for the day when we will face our Lord and give an account of our lives. Advent is also a time of celebration because we believe that ultimately God is for us and not against us (Rom 8). At the time of his Second Coming he will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away (Rev 21)
Due to technical issues, some elements of the podcast are missing this week.
[00:00:31] First Reading - Isaiah 35:1-10
[00:02:51] Second Reading - James 5:7-10
[00:00:00] Gospel Reading - Matthew 11:2-11 (No in podcast this week)
[00:04:17] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:18:46] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on James 5:7-10:
Do you consider yourself a patient person?
Why do you think God would like you to be a patient person?
Is there something in your daily life that God might be using to train you in patience?
What is Advent?
Advent is the season that begins the church’s yearly cycle of seasons. It starts on the 4th Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. The word Advent comes from the Latin word for “coming”. Advent is marked by expectation and anticipation of Jesus’ coming to humanity.
We remember a very pregnant Mary on a journey to Jerusalem longing to see her child who holds profound promise and hope. We recall that Jesus will be born on Christmas in an animal’s feeding trough among a people who were longing for a Messiah, sent by God, to rescue them.
We hear the cry of John the Baptist calling us to repent and prepare for the coming of the Lord. So, we prepare our hearts and consider our own yearning to experience more of Jesus’ presence in our daily lives.
We also live in anticipation of the Second Coming when Christ will come again to renew creation and defeat evil once and for all. We prepare our hearts for the day when we will face our Lord and give an account of our lives. Advent is also a time of celebration because we believe that ultimately God is for us and not against us (Rom 8). At the time of his Second Coming he will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away (Rev 21)
[00:02:08] First Reading - Isaiah 11:1-10
[00:04:22] Second Reading - Romans 15:4-13
[00:06:27] Gospel Reading - Matthew 3:1-12
[00:08:16] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:34:25] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on readings for Advent 2:
What do you think it would be like John the Baptist?
Why do you think people were drawn to him?
“If God does not care about what I do, I will begin to suspect that God does not actually care about me. If God loves me enough to welcome me into Christ’s family, then God loves me enough to expect something of me” (David Bartlett). What do you think of that statement?
What does it mean for you to “prepare the way of the Lord?”
What is Advent?
Advent is the season that begins the church’s yearly cycle of seasons. It starts on the 4th Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. The word Advent comes from the Latin word for “coming”. Advent is marked by expectation and anticipation of Jesus’ coming to humanity.
We remember a very pregnant Mary on a journey to Jerusalem longing to see her child who holds profound promise and hope. We recall that Jesus will be born on Christmas in an animal’s feeding trough among a people who were longing for a Messiah, sent by God, to rescue them.
We hear the cry of John the Baptist calling us to repent and prepare for the coming of the Lord. So, we prepare our hearts and consider our own yearning to experience more of Jesus’ presence in our daily lives.
We also live in anticipation of the Second Coming when Christ will come again to renew creation and defeat evil once and for all. We prepare our hearts for the day when we will face our Lord and give an account of our lives. Advent is also a time of celebration because we believe that ultimately God is for us and not against us (Rom 8). At the time of his Second Coming he will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away (Rev 21)
[00:00:38] First Reading - Isaiah 2:1-5
[00:01:55] Second Reading - Romans 13:11-14
[00:03:11] Gospel Reading - Matthew 24:36-44
[00:04:22] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:18:53] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on readings for Advent 1:
How are you preparing for the coming of Jesus this Advent?
To be a Christian is (to some degree) to learn to live with unfulfilled expectations in this present life, knowing that true fulfillment will only come when Jesus comes. What expectation might you need to learn to be content with not having fulfilled?
Compare how we normally prepare for Christmas and how we prepare for the coming of Christ.
What is Advent?
Advent is the season that begins the church’s yearly cycle of seasons. It starts on the 4th Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. The word Advent comes from the Latin word for “coming”. Advent is marked by expectation and anticipation of Jesus’ coming to humanity.
We remember a very pregnant Mary on a journey to Jerusalem longing to see her child who holds profound promise and hope. We recall that Jesus will be born on Christmas in an animal’s feeding trough among a people who were longing for a Messiah, sent by God, to rescue them.
We hear the cry of John the Baptist calling us to repent and prepare for the coming of the Lord. So, we prepare our hearts and consider our own yearning to experience more of Jesus’ presence in our daily lives.
We also live in anticipation of the Second Coming when Christ will come again to renew creation and defeat evil once and for all. We prepare our hearts for the day when we will face our Lord and give an account of our lives. Advent is also a time of celebration because we believe that ultimately God is for us and not against us (Rom 8). At the time of his Second Coming he will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away (Rev 21)
[00:01:20] First Reading - Isaiah 65:17-25
[00:04:16] Second Reading - 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
[00:05:54] Gospel Reading - Luke 21:5-19
[00:07:42] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:28:51] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for Reflection on 2 Thessalonians 3: 6-13:
Why would Paul ask the Thessalonian Christians to keep away from those who were idle and not living according to the teaching? What is Paul concerned about?
What is the place of effort in the Christian life? Does God owe us if we work hard? Why do it if we aren’t earning something for ourselves?
Reflect on your own effort towards your family, friends, neighborhood, and church. Is God calling you to more effort? Perhaps God is calling you to less effort? How can you achieve a godly balance?
Isaiah 65:17-25 The people of Israel have prayed that God will reveal himself to them as he did in olden times. God has answered: “I was ready to be sought out” but no one sought my help. Israel was disobedient and self-centred, but God will preserve a faithful line that he will choose. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 We come to the concluding section of this letter – one which counsels against expecting Christ to come again soon. It seems that some in the community have ceased to work and to spread the word of God. Luke 21:5-19 We come to the end of Jesus’ teaching in the Temple. His prediction of its destruction came true about forty years later. Jesus uses this as an opportunity to tell his followers of the ordeals they will need to endure. Perseverance will be rewarded.
[00:00:56] First Reading - Haggai 1:15b-2:9
[00:02:54] Second Reading - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5,13-17
[00:05:09] Gospel Reading - Luke 20:27-38
[00:06:46] Sermon - The Rt. Rev. Jane Alexander
[00:24:13] Blessing and Dismissal
Revised Common Lectionary Commentary Haggai 2:1-9
Some Jews have returned from exile in Babylon. While the foundations of the new Temple were laid in 536 BC, little more was done on it for fourteen years. Then, prompted by an oracle from God delivered by the prophet Haggai, work on it began in earnest.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-5,13-17
In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul has stated that, when Christ comes again, both the faithful who have died and those who are still alive will come together to live eternally. But now we read in 2 Thessalonians that certain events will happen before Christ comes to launch a new era.
Luke 20:27-38
The Sadducees were among those who sought to trap Jesus into contravening the Law as he taught daily in the Temple. They did not believe in the resurrection because they found no mention of it in the first five books of the Bible.
[00:01:11] First Reading - Daniel 7:1-3,15-18
[00:02:38] Second Reading - Ephesians 1:11-23
[00:04:55] Gospel Reading - Luke 6:20-36
[00:07:17] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:25:10] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on All Saints Day:
Who has been a saint in your life by showing you God's reality and truth?
Is being a saint one of your goals? Why or why not?
Do you have a favorite saint from history that you look up to? If you don't, consider learning more about St. Francis of Assisi, Thomas Merton, Mother Theresa, St. Patrick, St. David of Wales, St. Columba, St. Augustine of Hippo, St. Anthony, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Gregory of Nyssa, St. Hilda, Maximilien Kolbe, St. Teresa of Avila, William Wilberforce.
[00:01:22] First Reading - Joel 2:23-32 (Read)
[00:03:37] Second Reading - 2 Timothy4:6-8,16-18 (Read)
[00:04:51] Gospel Reading - Luke 18:9-14 (Read)
[00:05:58] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:24:24] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on Luke 18:9-14:
What was wrong with what the Pharisee did? He wasn’t stealing or committing adultery. In fact, he did good things- he practiced fasting and was generous with his money.
On the other hand, a tax collector was like a traitor. They became rich working for an invading army. Why would Jesus use a tax collector as the hero of the story?
What was present in the tax collector that made him justified in his prayer? What was present in the Pharisee?
How do you relate to this story? Where are exaltation and humility present in you? How does this relate to self-esteem?
If you struggle with exalting your virtues practice doing something good in secret and not telling anyone about it, ever.
[00:01:26] First Reading - Jeremiah 1:4-10
[00:02:55] Second Reading - Hebrews 12:18-29
[00:05:37] Gospel Reading - Luke 13:10-17
[00:06:52] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:26:47] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on Jeremiah 1:4-10
How would you respond if God called you to speak his words as His prophet?
Why do you think reluctance seems to be a pattern among prophets and saints? E.g. Moses, Gideon, Saul, Isaiah, Ezekiel
Jeremiah said “I am only a boy” (1:7). What would your objection be (assuming you might)? What were the objections of others called by God in the Bible and throughout history?
[00:01:48] First Reading - Isaiah 5:1-7
[00:04:18] Second Reading - Hebrews 11:29-12:2
[00:07:06] Gospel Reading - Luke 12:49-56
[00:08:26] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:27:58] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for Reflection on Hebrews 11:29-12:2:
At times faith seems to lead us to do amazing acts (e.g. crossing the Red Sea). At other times faith leads us to endure great suffering (e.g. Martyrdom). How has your faith been connected to you victories and you sufferings?
Sin can thrive on two sides of a spectrum. It can be presumption, arrogance, pride, selfishness and the will to dominate. On the other side it can be a more passive despair, apathy, and refusal to accept responsibility to God and neighbor. How has sin weighted you down as you have ran the race (Heb 12:1)?
We attempt to run the race in the footsteps of Jesus, as many other are doing and have done. Do you have a runner (saint) that you look to for inspiration?
[00:01:38] First Reading - Judges 4&5
[00:06:44] Second Reading - Galatians 3:23-29
[00:07:04] Gospel Reading - Luke 8:26-39
[00:09:30] Sermon - Dr. Marion Taylor
[00:34:03] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on Galatians 3:23-29:
When you read the Old Testament how do you read it and what place does it have in your life?
What is the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament?
In a particular situation how do you decide what to do? Paul seems to be suggesting this has more to do with whose you are than with a particular law.
[00:01:42] First Reading - 1 Kings 21:1-10,15-21a
[00:04:57] Second Reading - Galatians 2:15-21
[00:06:42] Gospel Reading - Luke 7:36-8:3
[00:09:37] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:26:13] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on Galatians 2:15-21:
What is the most important part of your identity? If you were to describe your “self” what would come to mind as most essential?
As you read today’s passage what is the most important part of our identity according to Paul?
How much do your answers to #1 and #2 line up? Why?
In some ways it is good to have a variety of different kinds of churches to serve a variety of different people. In other ways it is not good because these can create artificial divisions in the church. Why wasn’t Paul okay with just establishing a church for Gentiles (non-Jews) and also a Jewish Church? Wouldn’t that just make everyone more comfortable?
[00:01:42] First Reading - 1 Kings 17:8-24
[00:03:34] Second Reading - Galatians 1:11-24
[00:05:20] Gospel Reading - Luke 7:11-17
[00:06:31] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:25:17] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on the readings for Galatians 1:11-24:
Paul has a dramatic conversion story. How would you tell your story to someone who wanted to know why you are a Christian? Is you’re a slow and constant glow of embers? Or were you cold and suddenly burst into flame?
Learn more about Paul’s story here- Acts 9:1-30; 22:1-21; 26:1-23
What are the parts of his story? Name the different sections of his story. For example, the first section might be “life without Christ”. What are the parts of your story?
Take a few minutes and read the whole letter to the Galatians (out loud if you can). What is Paul’s main reason for writing?
[00:01:45] First Reading - 1 Kings 18:20-39
[00:06:01] Second Reading - Galatians 1:1-12
[00:08:44] Gospel Reading - Luke 7:1-10
[00:10:19] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:25:59] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on Psalm 96:
How do you understand God’s relationship to creation?
How is it that creation praises God?
How does your relationship with creation reflect God’s relationship with it?
In the Psalm it seems as though God’s “judgement” is a good thing. What emotions arise in you when you think of God’s judgement? In what way is it a good and joyful thing?
[00:01:48] First Reading - Acts 1:1-11
[00:04:08] Second Reading - Ephesians 1:15-23
[00:05:49] Gospel Reading - Luke 24:44-53
[00:07:05] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:21:41] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on Luke 24: 44-53 and Acts 1:1-11:
What has your understanding of the Ascension been? How would you describe it to a friend who wasn’t Christian?
Why did the Ascension take place? What would be the effect if the Ascension didn’t take place?
How is the Ascension connected to the Holy Spirit being sent?
The Gospel of Luke draws us in to focus on Jerusalem. The Book of Acts spreads out into the world from Jerusalem. The division between the two movements is the Ascension and the giving of the Holy Spirit (which must been seen together). What does this tell us about the role of the Holy Spirit and Ascension in our lives? Where do you “center”? Where are you “sent”?
[00:01:38] First Reading - Acts 16:9-15
[00:03:05] Second Reading - Revelation 21:10,22:22-25
[00:04:52] Gospel Reading - John 14:23-29
[00:06:06] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:20:50] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for Reflection on Acts 16:9-15:
What kind of God would send people over such a distance to share news about Him?
Paul crossed boundaries (geographic, culture, gender) what boundaries might we need to cross in our communities to meet the Lydias in our city?
Paul was willing to have God change his plans. (Take some time and track Paul’s journey in Acts on a map.) How do we become similarly attentive to God’s promptings? for reflection on
[00:01:11] First Reading - Act 11:1-18
[00:03:31] Second Reading - Revelation 21:1-6
[00:05:08] Gospel Reading - John 13:31-35
[00:06:13] Sermon - Rev. Donald Gray
[00:23:41] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on John 13:31-35:
How will everyone know that we are disciples (students/apprentices) of Jesus? He could have used many other ways to define his followers, why this? How do you define a follower of Jesus?
Compare with Leviticus 19:8. Why is this a “new” commandment?
How do you “glorify” Christ?
What does the context of Peter’s denial and service in chapter 13 tell us about glorifying? What is Jesus meaning by “glorifying”?
Christ implies that we first are loved by him and then we love others (vs. 34). Why does that order matter? Is there a danger in taking it out of order?
[00:00:39] First Reading - Acts 9:36-43
[00:02:36] Second Reading - Revelation 7:9-17
[00:04:19] Gospel Reading - John 10:22-30
[00:05:20] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:25:33] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on Revelation 7:9-17
Read Revelation chapters 4-7. Who is it that is on the throne? Compare to John 10:30.
How does the genre change your way of reading? For example, poetry vs narrative vs parable. What genre do you think the Book of Revelation is? What is the danger is mistaking Revelation’s genre?
The social setting in which Revelation was written was a hostile setting where Christians were under threat from numerous angles, especially the Roman Empire. The way Christians viewed the world was in conflict with the way the Roman Empire viewed the world. To what degree does our view of the world as Christians conflict with the way our society views the world?
The multitude in verse 9 has come through a great ordeal and now stand before the throne. They are God’s faithful people, but they are not saved from difficulty. How do you make sense of that? How might that change how you look at your own challenges?
[00:00:36] First Reading - Acts 9:1-6
[00:01:46] Second Reading - Revelation 5:11-14
[00:02:49] Gospel Reading - John 21:1-19
[00:06:13] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:22:27] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on John 21:1-19
Compare this passage to Luke 5:4-11. Why might a link be made with this passage?
Why does it seem like Jesus' appearance is different after the resurrection? E.g. Mary at the tomb (John 20), the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24).
Why does Jesus ask Peter three times if he loves him? And, why does he follow each response with an order to feed his sheep, and then a prediction of Peters's death? What does this say about how love for Jesus is expressed? Compare to John 13 & 18.
Reflect on your own life and how you feed his sheep and perhaps are even led to a place you do not wish to go, all because of your love for Christ.
The seven words from the cross.
[00:05:39] - The first word
[00:10:45] - The second word
[00:15:33] - The third word
[00:20:20] - The fourth word
[00:24:35] - The fifth word
[00:27:00] - The sixth word
[00:30:34] - The seventh word
[00:33:07] - Dismissal
[00:00:46] First Reading - Deuteronomy 26:1-11
[00:03:34] Second Reading - Romans 10:8b-13
[00:04:40] Gospel Reading - Luke 4:1-13
[00:06:30] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:25:13] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Why do the people need to continuously be reminded of the events of the past?
Do you find it easy to be thankful? Do you think being thankful is taught in our culture?
Why do the people give in the response to God’s blessing?
When you think back into your past do you think mostly of things you are thankful for?
Disciple Steps - Lent
Ask yourself, in light of what Christ has done for me:
What have I done for Christ?
What am I doing for Christ?
What ought I do for Christ?
What is Lent?
“Lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word for spring, when the days lengthen. The season of Lent finds its origins in the practice of early converts to Christianity spending time (often 3 years) in preparation for baptism at Easter. In the early church this was a radical commitment because conversion could mean torture or death in a time of persecution. They wanted to be sure that the faith they were being baptized into was worth risking their lives for. The weeks before Easter became an especially intense time of prayer, fasting, study, and renunciation of sin, in preparation for their new lives as Christians. In modern times Lent has become a time of renewed commitment and self-discipline. Many give up certain foods and luxuries in remembrance of how much Christ gave up for us. Many also dedicate more time to prayer, study, or acts of charity and generosity. It is a time of spiritual spring cleaning. “Lent is the period in which, learning to abstain from adoring at the shrine of the self, we come to see beyond the divinity we have made of ourselves to the divine will for all the world.”
[00:00:44] First Reading - Exodus 34:29-35
[00:02:02] Second Reading - 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
[00:03:52] Gospel Reading - Luke 9:28-36
[00:05:21] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:24:25] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on the sermon:
Can you recall an encounter with Jesus that made you feel like you had to act? How are you transfigured when Jesus reveals himself to you?
There are a few ways to interpret the Transfiguration of Jesus. For example, it reveals his heavenly self; it points to his future resurrection; and it says something about Jesus’ relationship with the Law and the prophets. What reading of this event is the most powerful for you?
Why was this a private event? What might have happened if this happened in the temple in the midst of crowds?
Disciple Steps
Here are some small and simple steps you can take to live out your faith in your daily life:
Make a point of looking for evidence of God in your day-to-day life.
Attempt to do one small think each day to show God's love to those around you.
Consider opening your day by inviting God int it first thing in the morning.
Where do you need God's help in your day-today life?
[00:00:40] First Reading - Jeremiah 1:4-10
[00:01:50] Second Reading - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
[00:04:01] Gospel Reading - Luke 4:21-30
[00:05:29] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:25:55] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on the sermon:
Read 1 Corinthians 13 replacing the word "love" with you name. What parts are you comfortable saying? What parts make you feel uncomfortable? How might you work to become ore confortable with this exercise?
Paul names some amazing spiritual actions, but places love above them all. Why?
How would you define "love"? How does your definition fir with the reading?
[00:01:30] First Reading - Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10
[00:03:22] Second Reading - 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
[00:06:40] Gospel Reading - Luke 4:14-21
[00:08:04] Sermon - Rev. Donald Gray
[00:25:26] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on Luke 4:14-21
Jesus self-identifies the words of the profit Isaiah as being directly relating to who he is and what he is about. Is that primarily how you think of Jesus? How do the words of Isaiah relate to you and what you are about?
If you read on after verse 21 you will find that Jesus' words have a strong effect on the people. Why? Do Jesus' words still have that effect on people? Why or why not?
How does this passage tell the church who it is?
Disciple Steps - A few suggestions for becoming more passionate about your spirituality.
Consider reading a whole book of the Bible in one siting.
Consider making a small change in the way you pray - chose a new places, play music, pray out loud or silently, stand or kneel. Reflect on how that small change affected your prayer time.
Consider writing down a list of the things you believe with all your heat and why.
[00:00:41] First Reading - Isaiah 62:1-5
[00:02:20] Second Reading - 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
[00:03:58] Gospel Reading - John 2:1-11
[00:05:25] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:21:56] Blessing and Dismissal
Questions for reflection on John 2:1-11:
Why is it significant that the six stone water jars were used for Jewish rites of ritual purification?
Why would this miracle (turning water into wine) at this time (at a wedding) be the first of Jesus' "sign"? What does that tell you about Jesus's mission and his people?
Why is Jesus hesitant at first? Have you experienced divine hesitancy? How do we deal with this?
What is Mary's role? How might our role relate to Mary's
[00:00:36] First Reading - Isaiah 60:1-6
[00:02:06] Second Reading - Ephesians 3:1-12
[00:03:56] Gospel Reading - Matthew 2:1-12
[00:05:51] Sermon - Rev. Chris Roth
[00:23:05] Blessing and Dismissal
Disciple Steps:
Tell someone about (or write down) your story with God. How has God been at work in your life?
What is it your find attractive about being a Christian? Thank God for this.
Questions for reflection on
The star drew the Magi to Christ. What drew (or draws) you to Christ?
Contemplate the power of Herod and the innocence of the children of Bethlehem. How do the innocent pay for our use of power and for our ideologies? Consider the fear of the powerful.
The Magi came a great distance and offered much, not knowing exactly who this child was. Consider your own devotion and gifts in comparison to your own knowledge of him.
What is Matthew trying to tell us about Jesus through this story about the Magi and King Herod?
