Podcasts about Luke 2

Join as Pastor John continues our series in the book of Luke

Anna the prophetess is the one and only woman named a prophet in Scripture. She was widowed and devoted her life to praying and fasting in the temple. Let's dive into her story and hear more about the birth of Jesus!

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. - Luke 2:25-26

Of course Jesus rules, but what about Jesus' rules? Let's take a closer look at how Jesus lived while He was here on earth. Send us a textSupport the show

Title: Wisdom, Stature, and Favour Bible Focus - Luke 2:39-52 Preacher - Stephen Jerrard Date - 29/06/2025

Join as Pastor John continues our study in the book of Luke

luke 2

What was Jesus doing for the first 30 years of His life? Why does Scripture highlight His growth instead of skipping straight to the miracles? In this message, we unpack Luke 2:40 and 2:52—two powerful verses that summarize the formation of Jesus in His youth.Jesus, though fully God, submitted Himself to the ordinary, slow, and sacred process of human development. He grew—in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and people. Not because He lacked anything in divinity, but because He chose to model humanity at its fullest.Through deep biblical insight, original Greek word studies, and practical wisdom, this sermon answers: • Why did Jesus have to grow if He was sinless? • What does it mean to be “strong in spirit” and “filled with wisdom”? • How can we grow in favor with God and people today?Whether you're in a season of waiting, growing, or obscurity—Luke 2 reminds us: formation is not wasted time. It's the way of Christ.Key Takeaways: • Formation is God's method for greatness. • Favor is grown, not grabbed. • You don't have to be fully formed to be fully loved.Next Steps: 1. Pursue wisdom daily 2. Strengthen your spiritual capacity 3. Live by grace, not performance

Title: Redemption Fulfilled Bible Focus - Luke 2:22-38 Preacher - Rev Steve Holland Date - 22/06/2025

Luke 2:22-40, Sam Broadfoot

20 Proverbs 5-6; 1 Samuel 25-30; 19 Psalms 79-84; 42 Luke 2-5

Daily Morning Prayer and the Litany (6/18/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 90-92; Job 31; Luke 2To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Morning Prayer and the Litany (6/18/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 90-92; Job 31; Luke 2To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

What really happened in Luke 2? Discover the powerful truth behind Jesus' birth and how God orchestrated every detail of the Savior's arrival. In this episode, we explore the fulfillment of prophecy, the humility of Christ, and the shepherds' role in spreading the gospel.Whether you're new to the faith or a seasoned believer, this message will deepen your understanding of God's divine plan. Tune in now!Sermon: The Birth of Christ and God's Sovereign PlanIntroductionOpening Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 – The birth of Jesus Christ.The world awaited a Savior, but He came in a way no one expected: not in a palace, but in a manger.Main Point: The humble beginnings of Christ reveal the nature of God's kingdom—where the lowly are exalted.I. The Sovereignty of God in Christ's BirthLuke 2:1-5 – Caesar Augustus issues a decree, but God is orchestrating everything.Prophecy Fulfilled: Micah 5:2 foretells the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem.The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was not by chance—it was divine fulfillment.Application: Even when life seems chaotic, God is always in control.II. The Humility of Christ's ArrivalLuke 2:6-7 – Jesus was born in a manger, showing that God's glory is revealed through humility.Philippians 2:6-8 – Christ emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.The King of Kings was placed in a feeding trough—an image of humility and servanthood.Application: God values humility and seeks those who are willing to serve, not elevate themselves.III. The Message to the ShepherdsLuke 2:8-20 – The angels appear to lowly shepherds, not to kings or rulers.The good news of salvation was first announced to those society overlooked.“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14).Application: The gospel is for everyone, regardless of status, wealth, or background.ConclusionThe birth of Christ was the beginning of the greatest story ever told—the redemption of mankind.Are we willing to humble ourselves and receive the King as the shepherds did?Final Call: Let us rejoice in the birth of Christ and share this good news with the world.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/christian-talk--5139976/support.

Title: Salvation Revealed - Jesus is his name Bible Focus - Luke2:1-21 Preacher - Alan Foster Date - 15/06/2025

Luke 2:1-21, Arthur Copeman

Jesus in the Temple: The Wait is Over, the Purpose Revealed | The Sunday Sermon | Rev. Craig Luekens | Luke 2:21-52visit cpcnewhaven.org

What was Jesus doing between the manger and the start of His public ministry? In this episode, we explore the often overlooked “silent years” of Jesus' life. Based on Luke 2:39–52, we unpack how the Son of God was shaped in obscurity—growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and people.We also confront three major myths:Did Jesus perform miracles as a child?Was He fully aware of His divine mission from birth?Did He travel to India or Egypt to learn secret teachings?What we discover is this: before the spotlight came the shadow. And in that shadow, Jesus teaches us the power of quiet obedience, hidden growth, and faithful preparation. If you're in a season where it feels like God is working behind the scenes, this message will remind you that obscurity is often God's training ground.Subscribe and share this episode if you're being shaped in the silence.

Hey friends, I'm excited to share that I'll be going live for 90 days straight, reading through the entire Bible—from Genesis to Revelation—and I'd love for you to join me on this journey. Every day, we'll dive into Scripture together in a relaxed, interactive live session where you can ask questions, share thoughts, and explore the Bible in a way that feels personal and genuine.Here's what you can look forward to:Daily Bible Reading: I'll be reading through the Bible live, sharing my insights and reflections as we move chapter by chapter.Interactive Bible Study: This isn't just a one-way read. You'll have the opportunity to join in, ask questions, and share your own thoughts in a warm, welcoming community.Spiritual Growth: Whether you're new to the Bible or have been studying it for years, this marathon is all about deepening our understanding and growing our faith together.A Complete Journey: From the beginning in Genesis to the end in Revelation, we'll explore the timeless stories and lessons that continue to inspire millions.To sow into this stream Monthly/ONE time/ https://bit.ly/2NRIBcM PAYPAL https://shorturl.at/eJY57www.Isaiahsaldivar.comwww.Instagram.com/Isaiahsaldivarwww.Facebook.com/Isaiahsaldivarwww.youtube.com/IsaiahsaldivarOrder My New Book, "How To Cast Out Demons," Here! https://a.co/d/87NYEfcTo sow www.Isaiahsaldivar.com/partner

Send us a textOf course Jesus rules, but what about Jesus' rules? Let's take a closer look at how Jesus lived while He was here on earth. Support the show

The Good News of Great Joy! | The Sunday Sermon | Rev. Craig Luekens | Luke 2: 1-20originally recorded on 06.01.25visit cpcnewhaven.org for more!

Join as Pastor John continues our study in the book of Luke

Five Salvation Triggers… #1-Simeon's REGENERATION, v. 25a #2-Simeon's REVELATION, vv. 25b-26 #3-Simeon's REAFFIRMATION, vv. 27-28 #4-Simeon's REALIZATION, vv. 28-33

Five Salvation Triggers… #1-Simeon's REGENERATION, v. 25a #2-Simeon's REVELATION, vv. 25b-26 #3-Simeon's REAFFIRMATION, vv. 27-28 #4-Simeon's REALIZATION, vv. 28-33

Exodus 32-33; 19 Psalms 90-91; 42 Luke 2

Notes - https://www.generationword.com/notes/Luke/12-Luke_2_41-52.pdf

It's hard to let go of our kids. As they get older, they step forward… and away. They assume more responsibility and more autonomy. As parents, we know this has been our most important job - to take these precious gifts from the LORD, and point them in every way we can to Jesus and to a deep and abiding trust in Him. Moms… we experience all the feels. Love, appreciation, pride… and the accompanying sadness that comes with letting go.

8 I tell you that He will avenge themspeedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith onthe earth?" Luke18 is a chapter that has influenced my prayer life as much as any other passagein the Bible. I love Luke chapter 18. We mentioned yesterday how people changeour lives, but it's not so much the people themselves, it's the stories fromtheir lives that teach us lessons. We might forget a principle, but we rarelyforget a story. That's why Jesus told parables, and why Luke, a compassionate physicianwho cared about people, wrote about widows and politicians, Pharisees and publicans,children and adults, rich men and beggars. He gave us a rich cast of charactersto learn from, showing how God worked in their lives, how He can work in ours,and how He wants us to live, not just to make a living, but to enjoy life as Heintended. Thisis a powerful story about prayer. Jesus begins this parable by saying that menought always to pray and not lose heart or quit. Either we're praying, or we'requitting. Luke introduces us to a story Jesus told about a widow, featuringthree characters. First, there's a judge in a certain city—an unjust judge whodidn't fear God or man. He did what he wanted, was corrupt, and favored his owninterests, his party, and his friends. We live in a day in America where itseems we have many unjust judges, though, thank God, we have good ones too.Let's not give up on all of them because of the unjust ones. Interestingly,Luke mentions widows more than do all the other Gospel writers combined (Luke2:37-38; 4:25-26; 7:11-17; 18:1-8; 20:45-47; 21:1-4). In that day, widowsusually had a difficult time making ends meet, in spite of the care Godinstructed His people to give them (Ex. 22:22-24; Deut. 14:28-29; 16:9-15; Ps.146:9; Isa. 1:17, 23; Jer. 7:6). The early church was serious about the care ofChristian widows (Acts 6:1; 1 Tim. 5:3-10; James 1:27), a good example for usto follow today. Then,there's an adversary. The widow said, "Give me justice from myadversary." We are like the widow—hopeless and helpless without someone tostand up for us. In Jesus' time in Palestine, widows had no legal standing.They couldn't go to court themselves, had no husband to represent them, and nomoney to bribe a judge or court officials. Judges back then moved from place toplace, setting up court in a tent. Bodyguards or officials stood at the door,and only those who paid bribes or had the right connections could even see thejudge. This widow had no way to get to the judge. All she could do was standoutside, yelling and screaming, "Please avenge me of my adversary." Jesustells us this unjust judge is a picture of God, which we'll explore in thecoming days. For now, we see that we are like the widow, and our adversary isthe devil. He goes about like a roaring lion, deceiving, devouring, stealing,killing, and destroying. This widow had no way to defend herself, and byourselves, we cannot stand against our adversary, the devil. We need to besober and vigilant. He makes a lot of noise, making us think we're in bigtrouble—and we are, if we don't know how to go to our Father in prayer, askingHim to defend us, avenge us, meet our needs, and strengthen us. That'swhy every morning, as I walk around our house, after I pray the Lord's Prayer,I pray, "Lord, avenge me of the adversary in my life, in Edith'slife," and then I pray for my children and grandchildren by name, otherfamily members, and church members, and their families, asking God to avenge usof the adversary today. We have a God who is willing, ready, and waiting withopen arms for us to call on His name to avenge us. What a great lesson. We'llstudy it in more depth tomorrow.   Wemust learn to pray, or we will be overcome by our adversary and will loseheart, faint, and quit. Are you learning to pray? Godbless!

Sunday morning sermon audio from Preston Highlands Baptist Church.

Lord, Open My Lips is a daily devotional produced by Fr. Josh Fink and John Caddell in association with All Souls Church in Lexington, South Carolina. New devotionals are available every day. More information can be found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠allsoulslex.org/dailyprayer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Original music is composed and recorded by John Caddell. Our liturgy is based on "Family Prayer" from the Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Lord, Open My Lips is a daily devotional produced by Fr. Josh Fink and John Caddell in association with All Souls Church in Lexington, South Carolina. New devotionals are available every day. More information can be found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠allsoulslex.org/dailyprayer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Original music is composed and recorded by John Caddell. Our liturgy is based on "Family Prayer" from the Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

What if your waiting is sacred? What if your ordinary Tuesday is a setup for a divine encounter?In this powerful episode, we explore Luke 2:21–38 and discover how Simeon and Anna found Jesus in a world of tension, obscurity, and delay. You'll uncover how to:Wait with expectation in a world that rushes everything.Recognize Jesus when others are distracted.Worship in the middle of your pain, questions, and delays.This episode is filled with: ✨ Hebrew & Greek insights

Sunday morning sermon audio from Preston Highlands Baptist Church.

Hey Friends, it's time to have a good balanced growth plan! Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, favor with God and favor with man. The insight here will help you bring a balanced approach to your parenting.Please partner with us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and help us keep the ministry producing more and more content that changes lives.Check out Joe's books & music:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For the Healing of the Nations/Healing Leaves⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ an e-book that will make receiving divine healing so easy.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Healing Is Yours⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ an instrumental album with my voice speaking scriptures, prayer and prophetic word. Excellent for those battling physical illness.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Come Up For Air/The Secret of the Whale, my first⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ children's book. I did the pictures myself using AI. The Lord gave me the message. A simple profound truth and glorious illustrations.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Read it⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch it⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy it⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Change Is For The Brave: Potential Is A Promise, a revision⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and re-write of my first book. Deep, thought-provoking sayings along with many stories about how change happens in one's life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prayer Is…⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ sayings and prophetic words about prayer. A real favorite.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Texting Through the Clouds: Your Quest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ an evangelistic book, that has Jesus leading someone to know Him through a text message conversation.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Words From God: A Year of Conversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ similar to God Calling. A 365 day devotional with a prophetic word for each day.We appreciate all the help and support. This podcast was provided to you through the support of our partners. 

Sunday morning sermon audio from Preston Highlands Baptist Church.

This is April 6th's sermon by Brian McLain examining the story of young Jesus at the temple emphasizing the intentionality of every story & the power of connections between stories. Brian and his lovely wife Denise were born and raised in Florida. They have been blessed with six beautiful daughters who fill their home with boundless joy and entertainment. Brian has degrees in Theology and Electrical Engineering and spent 20 years in the Power Industry. The McLains love to sing, dance, read, cook and play games, and they cherish the opportunities they get to serve and host others in their home. Trinity Reformed Church is a CREC church in Huntsville, AL seeking to extend and unite the Kingdom in the Huntsville area. Check out our website, Facebook or YouTube!

Success is doing God's will in one day increments with the right attitude.

Luke 2:52 shows Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, but does that mean He had to progress into godhood? The Bible teaches that Jesus has always been fully God—eternal and unchanging. --The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --One of the most fascinating verses about Jesus' early life is Luke 2:52:"Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people." (NLT)This verse raises an important theological question—did Jesus “progress” over time, even spiritually? Some people, including members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, see this as evidence that Jesus wasn't always fully divine. According to LDS teaching, even God the Father was once a man who progressed to godhood, and Jesus followed a similar path. But what does the Bible actually say?Let's break it down and compare the LDS view with what Scripture really teaches about the eternal nature of Jesus Christ.The LDS View: Jesus Progressed to GodhoodIn LDS teachings, Jesus is seen as the “firstborn spirit child” of Heavenly Father and progressed to become like God. One key scripture cited is Doctrine and Covenants 93:12–14, which says:“And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace;And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness;And thus he was called the Son of God, because he received not of the fulness at the first.” (D&C 93:12–14)LDS leaders interpret this to mean that Jesus had to grow spiritually—receiving "grace for grace"—until He became divine. This supports the broader LDS belief that even God the Father was once a mortal man who progressed to godhood. As stated by former LDS President Lorenzo Snow:“As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become.”This couplet summarizes a core tenet of Mormon theology—that God the Father and Jesus Christ both progressed from a mortal state to divine status. But this concept stands in contrast to the Bible's teaching about Jesus' eternal nature.The Biblical View: Jesus Grew in His HumanityLuke 2:52 shows that Jesus experienced real human development. He grew in body (“stature”), in mind (“wisdom”), in relationships (“favor with all the people”), and in His connection with God the Father (“favor with God”).Jesus didn't just appear out of nowhere as a fully grown man. He was born as a baby, raised in a family, and matured over time. This aligns with the Christian understanding of the incarnation—that Jesus, though fully God, also became fully...

This episode is part 6 in a study of the Gospel of Luke. We hear of the dedication of Jesus in the temple and of Jesus return tto the temple and sitting with the teachers of the law at age twelve. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Preparing the way- John the Baptist was "the voice of one crying in the wilderness." He was the last and the greatest of the prophets. Under the New Covenant, followers of Jesus have a message even more clear and powerful than John the Baptist.

This episode is part 5 in a study of the Gospel of Luke. In this episode we hear the familiar story of the birth of Jesus with a census, a revolt, a manger, angels, and shepherds. Wait what? A revolt? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comLuke 2 Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem for a census. Jesus is born there in a manger since the inn is full. An angel appears to shepherds proclaiming Jesus as the “Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” A multitude of angels then appear praising God! The shepherds visit the family and report these wonderful things. After eight days, Jesus' family takes Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord at the temple. A righteous man named Simeon prophesies that Jesus would be a light even to the Gentiles. Twelve years later, the family comes to Jerusalem for the Passover. When they leave for home, Jesus stays behind and astonishes the teachers in the temple. His parents return for Him, but He explains He must be in His Father's house. Jesus returns to Nazareth with his parents after the Jerusalem event. His parents did not understand what was coming, but His mother treasured all of this in her heart. She knew how special He was. This chapter is filled with prophecy and proclamations about the greatness of Jesus. We should treasure all of this in our hearts as well. The angels appear and praise God for the “peace on earth” that Jesus would bring. In the temple, Simeon holds Jesus in his arms and says to God, “My eyes have seen Your salvation.” They believed He was God's gift to change the world. We know of His birth, His death, and His resurrection. We should openly proclaim His glory even more!  Heavenly Father, world history has two halves: before Jesus was born, and after. Thank You for blessing us to live in the days after Jesus came. So much anticipation and hope were tied to the coming of the Messiah. And by Your grace, He has come. May His worthiness dominate our hearts, and may He be “good news of great joy” every day of our lives. As a child, He wowed the teachers. His wisdom exceeds all men, including us. Help us to humbly be in awe of Him, to study His teachings, and to surrender our lives to follow Him.  Thought Questions for the Day: -       God's only Son was birthed in a barn. What does that teach you about where and how God might begin wonderful things? -       Simeon prophesied Jesus would be the Light for Jews and Gentiles. How has God had your salvation in mind since the beginning? -       In His youth, Jesus prioritized the temple over traveling with His family. How does this foreshadow the message of the kingdom?