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December 21, 2018

God's Surprising Presence

Max O. Vincent   |   Read Hebrews 10:5-10

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Lectionary Week
December 17–23, 2018
Scripture Overview

As Christians we understand that our faith is rooted in the ongoing story of God’s faithfulness to God’s people. Micah celebrates this story, prophesying that the true king of Israel will one day come from the small village of Bethlehem, Jesus’ birthplace. Luke features women prominently throughout his Gospel. The two readings from Luke this week highlight the prophetic insights of Elizabeth and Mary. Mary visits Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John, God’s messenger. After Elizabeth identifies Mary as the mother of the Lord, Mary breaks into song, understanding that her story is tied to the fulfillment of God’s promises going back to Abraham. Little does she know that her son will one day offer his body as a sacrifice for all, as Hebrews tells us.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Micah 5:2-5a. What “small” beginnings have yielded great results in your life?
• Read Psalm 80:1-7. How does this psalm of lament speak to you? When has God restored you and shone the light of divine love on you?
• Read Hebrews 10:5-10. What do you believe God desires from you? In what ways does Jesus’ life of obedience help you understand God’s intention for you and the world?
• Read Luke 1:39-55. When have you been stopped in your tracks by meeting unexpectedly an old acquaintance? How did God speak to you in that encounter?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Hebrews 10:5-10

5 Therefore, when he comes into the world he says, You didn’t want a sacrifice or an offering, but you prepared a body for me; 6 you weren’t pleased with entirely burned offerings or a sin offering. 7 So then I said, “Look, I’ve come to do your will, God. This has been written about me in the scroll.” 8 He says above, You didn’t wantand you weren’t pleased with a sacrifice or an offeringor with entirely burned offerings or a purification offering, which are offered because the Law requires them. 9 Then he said, Look, I’ve come to do your will. He puts an end to the first to establish the second. 10 We have been made holy by God’s will through the offering of Jesus Christ’s body once for all.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Regulations for sacrifices and offerings fill the Old Testament. How can the author of Hebrews say, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired”? The Bible I am reading lists Psalm 40:6 as a cross-reference for this verse in Hebrews. Indeed the two verses are almost identical. The tradition of the...

God, give me grace to live your will today. Amen.


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