Sunday Reflections
We finished up the fourth Sunday of “Re-Advent” – and if you’ve been keeping up with the readings (www.riverhillssmallgroups.blogspot.com), this has been a great time of expectation and renewal. Personally, it has been great to sit and think through different themes and topics that we encounter as we march toward Christmas. Yesterday we focused on the theme of Joy by discussing Matthew 2:1-12 – the story of the wise-men. This is the first time that I’ve tackled this passage – and it totally whipped me. Here are some thoughts from yesterday:
1) Joy is found in submission, not just service. The wise-men came looking for a King – yearning to worship, desiring to submit. Yes they were servants and gift givers, but the real thought here is submission.
2) Follow the wise-men’s example by being consumed by what is known rather than what is seen. What was seen was a star, but what was known was the promise of Scripture – that a King would be born in Bethlehem.
3) Commitment to calling is more important than what is circumstantial or current. Our calling – whether it be situational, for a season, for life or more importantly obedience to Scripture – is worth fighting for.
4) Giving is more about worship than sacrifice. Although the gifts that they brought the Christ-child were somewhat odd, they represented items used in worship. They came to worship – not to give.
5) Re-Advent yourself this Christmas by finding joy in submitting to Christ – first and foremost.
Awesome day yesterday – and I’m fired up about seeing all of you at the Christmas Eve Service at 5 p.m. on Thursday afternoon. Have a great day. Merry Christmas.