Christmas
The joy-filled season of Christmas in Western Christian faiths is only 12 days long.
In the Eastern Christian faiths and in some parts of Europe Christmas is celebrated
until February 2nd. February 2nd is also known as “Candlemas.”
Old Testament – Isaiah 61:10-62:3
This part of Isaiah is subtitled “The Good News of Salvation.” Isaiah through God
says God’s chosen people will be clothed in righteousness. God will make
righteousness and praise sprout like a garden. We are told that we will be a
“crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord.” All these things are good news
indeed!
Old Testament – Psalm 148
In beautifully joyous psalm we and all creation are told to praise God and exalt
Him. This psalm was first put to music by Francis of Assisi. Francis lived over 800
years ago. Francis sang this song as he died. This is an important lesson for us.
Praising God is what we need to do in every situation. Listen to the Francis’ hymn
sung below. The next link is another version of Psalm 148 put to music.
New Testament – Galatians 4:4-7
Paul writes that Jesus came down from heaven and was born just as we were.
Paul tells us that Jesus was born so He could save us from our sins. Since Jesus
has saved us, we are also God’s children.
New Testament – Luke 2:22-40
This event happen a short time after Jesus was born. In Jewish law, Jesus needed
to be presented to the Lord as he was the first born son of Joseph and Mary. As
Jesus was being presented, a man named Simeon came into the temple. Simeon
had been told by God that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.
Simeon sees Baby Jesus and takes Jesus in his arms and blesses Him. Simeon
thanks God that God has allowed him to see the Messiah. Watch Simeon blessing
Jesus below.
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