Welcome and Worship 🎁

After the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem, the Scripture tells about two events that take place when he is very young.

The first event is when Mary and Joseph take baby Jesus to be dedicated according to the Jewish custom. When Jesus is only 8 days old they go to offer two young pigeons to the temple. While they are there they meet a man named Simeon and then a widow named Anna.

Simeon and Anna spent many hours in worship and prayer at the temple expecting God to fulfill His promise of redemption. Immediately when Jesus is brought into the temple, the Holy Spirit confirms to each of them that Jesus is the Promised One! Both of them offering thanksgiving to God for the baby!

Another event that is told about Jesus when he is very young is the visit of the magi from the East. These "wise men" as they are often called, had followed a star to where Jesus was. We aren't sure how much time had passed since Jesus was born, but it seems that Jesus might have been a young boy at this point. These wise men had studied the stars and the scriptures and their journey had taken some time before they finally arrived where the star led.

Upon seeing the child, they fell on their knees in worship and offered extravagant gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These were no ordinary baby gifts, but gifts that were worthy to be given to a king!

I love these two stories of Jesus being welcomed into life by these people who were strangers to Mary and Joseph. Instead of a baby shower celebration, Jesus was celebrated and worshiped as "a light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory to God's people Israel." (Luke 2:32) 🌟

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we offer him true worship- the promised redeemer, God's glory revealed to His people! ❤️

Merry Christmas! Mrs. Bess