“I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” Luke 2:30-32 (NLT)
A Prayer for the Week:
Jesus, please light our way today. Shine your love and grace on us. Amen.
Mealtime Prayer:
Blessed are you, O God, creator of light, giver of life, and savior of nations. All glory to you! Amen.
A Blessing to Give:
May God bless you with peace, light your way, and open your eyes to see his love. Amen. (Luke 2:29-31)
CARING CONVERSATIONS
Discuss in your household or small group:
• Share stories from your early childhood.
• When Joseph and Mary brought baby Jesus to the temple, they were
met by Simeon and Anna. What did Simeon and Anna say and do? How
do you think Mary and Joseph felt?
• What elderly people have encouraged you in your Christian faith
through their words or actions?
DEVOTIONS
Luke 2:40 tells us that “the child, Jesus, grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom and was blessed by God’s grace.” In your home devotion times this week, make body figures out of modeling clay. As you do, talk about what it means to grow in body, mind and spirit as a child of God. How does God want us to use our bodies and minds? What does it mean to be “blessed by God’s grace” as we grow? Say a prayer of thanks to God for all the ways we grow.
SERVICE
Plan an act of service to support or encourage a parent or parents of young children in your congregation or neighborhood. For example, prepare a meal for their household or provide childcare for them.
RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
February 2nd has long been celebrated as “Candlemas” by Christians. When the infant Jesus was brought to the temple by Mary and Joseph, Simeon called him “a light to reveal God to the nations.” Before electricity was discovered, homes were lit with candles. Traditionally, Christians brought their candles to church on this day to be blessed. Gather all the candles in your home in one room and light them from one central candle. Place one in each window and others around your home. (Make sure to be safe and watch them carefully!) Turn off other lights. Say together the “Scripture Verse for this Week,” and say a prayer of thanks to Jesus for coming as the light of
the world.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Lectionary readings for this Sunday.
We invite you to take time each day to read the assigned
Bible passages.
Sunday Luke 2:22-40 Jesus is presented in the temple
Monday Isaiah 42:1-7 The servant of the Lord
Tuesday Isaiah 49:5-7 A light for the Gentiles
Wednesday Acts 13:42-48 Gentiles hear and believe
Thursday Acts 26:12-23 Paul speaks about the light of Jesus
Friday John 1:14 Jesus is the glory of God
Saturday Psalm 98 God’s salvation is seen
Sunday Matthew 5:13-20 Salt and light
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