I'm not sure if I've ever preached wearing a Christmas sweater before. The week before, I told the church to watch the weather. Depending on how hot it would be, we'd make it either ugly Christmas sweater or ugly Christmas t-shirt Sunday.
I'm always cold now. So, I went with a sweater. These churches keep the sanctuaries so cold these days--do I sound old enough to say that?
Oh, and we should just go with Christmas sweater. Some people's ugly is another person's pretty.
I don't always talk about Mary, but when I do it's probably around Christmas. But why don't we think about her more. She's around for more than the birth narratives. You scared, Protestant? Huh, you scared you might get some Catholic on you? (Snark complete)
Listen to "Growing with Jesus" on Spotify
Day 1: A New Image of the Nativity
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:15-20
Reflection: Consider the traditional nativity scene and the image described in the sermon—with Joseph caring for the infant Jesus while Mary reads in the corner. The traditional and revised images both emphasize roles and reflections within the story. Reflect on the roles of Joseph and Mary in your own understanding. How does emphasizing Joseph's nurturing alter your perception of both parents and the significance of their roles?
Questions:
- How does the imagery of Mary reading challenge your traditional understanding of her role?
- What does Joseph’s act of tending to Jesus teach you about fatherhood or caregiving?
- In what ways can you find new perspectives in familiar stories of your life?
- Prayer: Ask God to open your heart to reimagining familiar stories and understanding them from fresh perspectives.
Day 2: Pondering and Treasuring
Scripture: Luke 2:25-35; Luke 2:51
Reflection: Mary pondered and treasured the words about her son in her heart. Her reflective nature invites us to consider our own responses to God’s work in our lives. Reflect on moments when you felt called to ponder or treasure something significant.
Questions:
- What life events or revelations have you treasured in your heart?
- How does pondering help you deepen your faith?
- What practices can you adopt to become more reflective like Mary?
- Prayer: Pray for the ability to deeply treasure and meditate on God's revelations in your life.
Day 3: The Faith of Family
Scripture: Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Reflection: Jesus grew and learned within the embrace of his family’s faith. Consider how Mary and Joseph's faith influenced Jesus’ upbringing and how familial faith has or can shape yours.
Questions:
- In what ways has your family influenced your faith journey?
- How do you nurture faith within your own family or community?
- What steps can you take to strengthen the spiritual foundation for those around you?
- Prayer: Thank God for the spiritual mentors in your life and ask for guidance in becoming a mentor to others.
Day 4: Learning and Growing Like Jesus
Scripture: Luke 2:46-52; James 1:5
Reflection: Jesus’ time in the temple highlights his commitment to learning and asking questions. Reflect on the importance of lifelong learning in your spiritual journey and how you can adopt this same posture.
Questions:
- How do you approach learning about your faith and God’s will for you?
- What questions about your faith are you currently pondering?
- How can you create an environment of learning and curiosity in your community?
- Prayer: Ask for a spirit of curiosity and the wisdom to seek and understand God's teachings more fully.
Day 5: Embracing Uncertainty and Growth
Scripture: Psalm 119:105; Philippians 1:6
Reflection: Mary’s journey required her to embrace uncertainty and grow alongside Jesus. Similarly, we are invited to journey with God amid uncertainties, knowing growth often requires patience and faith.
Questions:
- In what areas of your life do you feel uncertain about God’s direction?
- How can embracing uncertainty lead to spiritual growth?
- How do you find assurance in God's promises amid uncertainty?
- Prayer: Pray for peace in the uncertainty and strength to trust God’s unfolding plan for your life.
Allow these reflections to enrich your understanding of Mary's journey and to deepen your relationship with God as you move forward in faith and wisdom.
Stay blessed...john
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