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Here is our Christmas Countdown Clock! Day Twenty Three activities If you have an Advent Wreath - here is a short reading and ceremony before lighting the Four candles. Luke Ch2 V21 to 35 - Jesus Presented in the Temple : On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord", and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord:) "a pair of doves or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." This is a very interesting portion of scripture. Mary and Joseph had another short journey to undertake, they had to bring the baby Jesus to the Temple to be circumcised and to be blessed in the Temple. They also had to offer a sacrifice, and two doves or pigeons was what the poor people offered which would suggest that although he was a carpenter, he was still poor. However, more interestingly is the meeting with Simeon. Simeon had been given a promise that he would not die before seeing the promised Messiah child. He was now old and infirmed and still waiting. This is a momentous occasion for him. He took the child in his arms and blessed him, recognising that he was cradling the source of Salvation. Then we have his prophecy. He asks that God will take care of him as he faces death and eternity. He understands that God has kept his promise and now the natural course of life is almost at an end for him. We are told that Mary and Joseph marveled at his words, they probably didn't understand what he was saying, or the importance of the statement - For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. This child wasn't just for Israel but for the Gentiles - everyone who is not Jewish. This is a momentous statement as God's Salvation is for everyone - not for the few but for ALL. what a wonderful though to take with us into Christmas - knowing that we are included in God's provision for His World. Prayer: Almighty God we thank You for Your Word. We thank You for the faithful people surrounding the Christ Child. We Thank You for Simeon and for his Prophecy about Salvation for everyone. Father we are touched as we read the story of the encounter in the Temple and the tenderness and love shown to the child. We give thanks for faithful service and obedience and we ask that as we come near to Christmas day that we too might have a blessed encounter with the Christ Child. As we are drawn to Worship on Christmas Eve, may it be a time of renewal and refreshment for all of us. Father as we light our candles and think on these things, grant us Your blessing as Simeon blessed the child and parents, that we might know that peace and blessing too. Lord hear our prayer in Jesus Name. Amen. Enjoy this story of the Simeon and his meeting Jesus in the Temple: Simeon: Simeon's Story: I've waited. I can't tell you exactly how long. The days ran into months and the months ran into years. And as for the years, well, there were many of them. I have seen many a winter turn into a spring, and a spring turn into a baking summer. And yet I still wait. Waiting is hard. Waiting for something when you don't even know when its coming is even harder. And waiting for a promise that some people think is ridiculous; when people stare at you strangely when you mention it, or laugh in your face, is the hardest thing of all. Yet still I wait, and hold onto the promise that I was given. Shall I tell you my story? It all began such a long time ago. My name is Simeon, and one night, when I was young, something incredible happened, somehow, in a way I cannot really explain, God touched me. It was like suddenly having the lights switched on in your life, after an eternity of groping around in the darkness. It was like the coming of the dawn. It was like suddenly falling in love. It was like...well it was like a thousand birthdays rolled into one. But that night God gave me a promise. The promise was that I would not die before I saw the Messiah, the Christ himself, in the flesh. Which meant, of course, that it must be soon. That our liberation was coming soon. For how long could I live for? Ten, twenty, thirty years? Forty? Fifty? Not many of us got much further than that. But I was young. I couldn't imagine what it would like to even be twenty-five. And I was full of the excitement of a promise newly-given. Each morning after that I awoke and sprang out of bed full of excitement, wondering if this was the day. But since then it has been hard. I soon gave up springing out of bed, as each evening came, filled with disappointment and impatience. Now I have lived a whole lifetime longing to see the promise come true. I had my fiftieth birthday an age ago. Practically half a lifetime. All my friends have gone, and I am alone in my waiting. Sometimes wondering if I must have dreamed it but knowing, deep down inside, that I must continue my search, continue my waiting. When I climb up the many stairs, with my knees shouting and complaining, to the temple I scan every face, to look for the One I long to see, but somehow I know they won't be there. For over time I have realised, after a lot of thinking and crying and screaming with impatience, that I will probably know where to look before I even turn my head. And so we come to this morning. Today I have an inexplicable longing to visit the temple. It's almost like an invisible string is pulling me. And I do wonder if today really is the day, I am getting so old now that I cannot really imagine going on much longer. Soon I won't be able to make it up the stairs at all. They will have to carry me there! I throw on my coat, perhaps over-hastily for my age, and make the journey across the city and up the hill to the temple courts. I arrive at the temple. Vast colonnades and open space, column and columns and far too many stairs. I see hustle and bustle, shouting, singing, and excitement. Yet I feel compelled to go up a different staircase to my usual one. And in the fresh morning air and dappled sunshine the queues are already long for the sacrifices, couples queuing in the cold morning shadows. There are many young boys being dedicated to God today. But then as I glance at a couple standing at the front of the line with a young baby, something happens to me. I cannot stop staring at them, and I feel almost as if, at that moment, time has stopped. The rest of the world almost doesn't exist. I move over to them, as fast as my old legs can carry me, more like a hobble than a run, and I ask if I can hold the child in my arms. His mother is so young, but she smiles at me proudly and gives me her baby. I pull the blankets away from his face and stare down. And I know. Deep down, in the core of my being, I know that this IS the Christ, and my wait is over. I hold the child, and he gurgles and dribbles on my clothes helplessly. Yet in that gesture I sense some incredible mystery. Something like the power of God is in him, but he is helpless because he chooses to be. I lift him high into the air, throw back my head and laugh, and in my laughter a prayer comes out. "Now you can let me, your servant, go home in peace, Just like you promised me so long ago. For my very own eyes have seen your marvelous scheme. Salvation itself, Held in the tiny fingers of a baby's hand. The plans you have made in public For the whole world to see. A light that will shine Before the strangers in far off lands. And give fame and honour to your people, Your precious nation of Israel." I see his mother's eyes grow wide with wonder and her husband smile proudly and hold her close. And, as I give the baby back, I turn and bless them, but warn the mother that she has heartbreak ahead. For that child will strip away the secrecy from many people's hearts and they will not like being exposed. A day will come when she will feel stabbed to the heart. And I wish it were not so, but some things just have to happen. Finally I say my goodbyes and sit and simply watch the world go by. But one particular part of the world. I watch the young couple give the offerings to the priest. I watch the prophetess Anna, singing praises to God over them, as if they were prophets or kings and I simply smile, then I watch them walk away from the temple, disappearing through the archway, I watch them until they are small dots down at the bottom of the staircase, and as they disappear and merge with the crowds below, I know that I can finally rest. The Christ has come. The Christ has merged with us, become part of our crowds, and now I can let go, knowing the promise has come true, and all the other promises will soon come true as well. Unknown Christmas Quotes: Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect." - Oren Arnold. I sometimes think we expect too much of Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness and humanity of the whole year. As for me, I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all through the year. And thus I drift along into the holidays--let them overtake me unexpectedly--waking up some fine morning and suddenly saying to myself: 'Why this is Christmas Day!'" Unknown. What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. - Agnes M. Pharo. The magi, as you know, were wise men - wonderfully wise men who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. - O. Henry. A Christmas Blessing: During this Christmas season, May you be blessed With the spirit of the season, which is peace, The gladness of the season, which is hope, And the heart of the season, which is love. Somehow, not only for Christmas But all the long year through, The joy that you give to others Is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing The poor and lonely and sad, The more of your heart's possessing Returns to you glad. John Greenleaf Whittier Something to think about and do today Here is an alternative look at the Nativity story courtesy of the Church Advertising Group: The Nativity - follow the journey yourself! A Nativity Journey: I thought it might be good for us to go on an Advent Journey - similar to what we do just before Easter. To help us on our Journey I am using some of Alfred Durers Nativity Woodcuts - enjoy! Let us pray before we set off: Lord Jesus, the miracle of your Nativity has inspired Christians for generations and filled them with Wonder each Advent Season. Inspire us now with the beautiful story of your birth. Help us to clear our minds of the concerns of the day and fill us with the peace and hope of Advent and the Wonder of the Christmas happenings that we may look forward to a New Life and future. Lord hear us in Jesus Name. Amen. The Annunciation For centuries, the Jewish people had prayed for a Messiah. Age after age, their hopes were met with disappointment. Yet they kept faith. At last, in a small Judaean town, an angel of God asks a young Jewish girl to carry within her the hope of her nation. Mary accepts God's call and changes the course of her life to take on the role of the Mother of God. Prayer: Heavenly Father, just as Mary accepted life - changing challenges when she opened herself to your call, so we know we may have to do the same. Help us to remember her courage and be comforted by it. May we always be open to your challenges. The Visitation Now Mary, having accepted the Lord's call, finds herself in a most lonely situation. Only she knows what has happened to her. The magnitude of this news is enough to cause her to doubt even her own senses. Yet God in his goodness left her a word of comfort. Her cousin Elizabeth has also been blessed by God's grace; she has conceived a child in her old age. Mary sets off to see this miracle, so similar yet to different from her own. On her arrival, Mary is rewarded with the reassurance that God has indeed called her. Prayer: Gracious God our Father, grant that we may never lose heart. We know that if we but do your will, you will give us strength and the means to carry it out. Lord should we waver in our faith, may we be strengthened by the signs and miracles, large and small, you provide along the way. Joseph's Vision Joseph now finds himself caught up in the faith decision of his future wife, Mary. Confronted with her condition, he must respond. Like many of us, he responds in a worldly way. He will divorce Mary quietly. But God intervenes. An angel comes to Joseph in a dream to reassure him that what has happened is the work of God. Joseph makes his own faith decision and takes Mary as his wife. Prayer: Lord, many times we are alone in our decision to accept your will. Even family and friends may turn away. Remind us that we are never alone, and give us faith that you will always help us to carry out your will. The Journey Now Joseph and Mary are confronted with another obstacle. Rome has ordered a census. Joseph must travel to Bethlehem to register his new family. Mary, heavy with child, must go with him. They spend their nights outside in the cold desert air, yet they know nothing can happen to this special child. God's presence will guide them along the way. With loving patience, they set out for Bethlehem, the city long prophesied as the birthplace of the Messiah. Prayer: Father, at times we are surprised by the twists and turns of life. Give us the patience of the Holy Family to realize that no matter where our lives lead, you will be waiting at the end of our journey. Arrival in Bethlehem At last Mary and Joseph arrive in Bethlehem, now bustling with travelers. Tired and dusty from the trip, they search for lodging. Mary says they must hurry, for her baby will be born this night. But no one has room to take them in. Prayer: Loving God, disappointments are so hard. We cannot understand why we must endure hardship, even when we try to do your will, or why favour seems to go to those less deserving. Help us to remember that even our disappointments can serve to give you glory. The Manger As despair closes in on Mary and Joseph, the innkeeper tells them of the stable where they are welcome to stay. Here Mary can find a warm, private place to deliver her baby. They make their way to the stable, where horses, cattle, and other animals become their lodging companions. Mary may rest from the journey. Prayer: Gracious Father, may we always be open to your kindness. Help us to accept your gifts at face value, to realize that you always give us what is best for us. May we be grateful for the gifts given in your love. The Nativity Now is the most important moment of Mary's life, and she must face it alone; just as her Son would face his moment of truth some thirty years later. The Holy Son of God is born in a stable. As the animals look on, God performs his greatest miracle. The promise of salvation, dreamed of for thousands of years, is accomplished by a loving God and a poor girl in a stable. Prayer: Almighty God our Father, as we sit in awe and wonder of your blessed Nativity, we are shaken by the wonder of your glory and your meekness. Having so humbled yourself, help us not to be caught up in our own importance. Remind us of the great things that are accomplished when we are perfectly submissive to your will. This text will be replaced by the flash music player. Listen to the Carol; O little Town of Bethlehem" The Heavenly Choir Unaware of the miracle happening that night, shepherds keep watch over their sheep. Suddenly their familiar night sky is filled with glorious angels singing divine praises. The angels reassure the shepherds. They have come with good news. God has sent them a Saviour. When the angels vanish, the shepherds are left in wonderment. If the Saviour has come, why didn't God send his angels to the king or the high priests? Yet they seek to confirm the truth of the angel's words, the strange tale of a baby in a manger. Prayer: Loving Father, the splendour of your glory is beyond us. What can we possibly give you that approaches it? May we always be willing to give our all, just as the shepherds abandoned their worldly possessions to seek the Christ - child. The Shepherds' Visit Mary and Joseph, alone for the first time with the baby, look with pride at what God has entrusted to them. They hear calls of greeting. Going to the stable entrance, Joseph sees shepherds asking to see the baby. Joseph does not want the privacy or safety of his family invaded. The shepherds tell of the angels, and Joseph's heart is softened. They enter timidly and, upon seeing what the angels had proclaimed, fall to their knees to worship their Messiah. Prayer: Dear Father, often we want only to be left alone, but the world floods in. Our lives are awash with distractions. Help us to remember that our purpose in this life is not to center upon ourselves but to look outward and proclaim the Word of your Son's holy mission. The Star In the East, men search the night sky as they have done so many nights before, looking for a sign. Why, we cannot know. They see a new star rise. Researching ancient writings, they learn of a king to be born to the Jews. They pack their belongings and prepare gifts for the new king. On their journey, they pay their respects to King Herod. The wicked Herod slyly ask the Magi to return news to him of the child's whereabouts. The Magi set off again to follow the star. Prayer: Lord of all, the star of Bethlehem teaches us that your Word and your love have no limits. As the Magi searched the night sky for a sign they did not fully understand, so we search patiently for those times you come into our lives and give us direction. The Epiphany More visitors to the stable. These are in fine dress and speak in a foreign tongue. They explain who they are and why they have come, and Joseph allows them to enter. They fall to their knees at the sight of Jesus. How ironic to see these visitors, so different from the shepherds, react in such a similar fashion. The Magi offer gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Then they are gone. Before they return to Herod, God warns them to return by another route. Prayer: Holy God, as the magi humbled themselves before you, may we always do the same. May we also be willing to spread your Word to peoples of all lands. For all people, great and small, are humbled in your presence. Closing Prayer Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this time together. Just as the Father used Mary to bring you into this world, help us to use this time to bring your message into the world. May we never forget the love you have for all of us, and may we never forget to share that love with others as you shared yourself with us. Amen. Click here to see larger images of the ones I used. - opens in a new window Click here to see more of Durer's work - opens in a new window It is getting very near to Christmas and here is a picture of Santa's village in Lapland - click on the picture to go to the Norad site where they track Santa on his journey round the world - enjoy!. Send Email to Santa Or why not go online and send him a letter! Send a letter to Santa Online - opens in a new window Here is a picture of a stained glass scene of the nativity for you to colour in - right click to download the picture and colour it in using your Paint Programme.