1. Christmas: A Miraculous Night

2. Responsibilities return.
In the “afterglow”
of Christmas…
Normal Life resumes.
Responsibilities return.
Yet…
Our Commitment to God should remain and our Encounters with Him will continue.

3. Business” of Christmas
The “Unfinished
Business” of Christmas
Joseph & Mary
Dedicate Baby Jesus at the Temple
(Luke 2: 21-40)

4. Covenant of Male Circumcision. Child is officially “named”
* Covenant of Male Circumcision * Child is officially “named” * First Son is “Consecrated” to Lord * Offering: 2 Doves or 2 Pigeons

5. Mary and Joseph go through with the process of Infant Dedication because they are required to. This seems like simply a duty for them.
* vs
* vs. 27
* vs. 39

6. and following God’s Commands; we can receive fresh doses of:
In the midst of
“doing life”
and following God’s Commands; we can receive fresh doses of:
Blessings
Encouragement
Vision for our Lives

7. #1. Blessings
Luke 2: 33-34a
33 “The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him  Then Simeon blessed them…”

8. #2. Encouragement
Luke 2:38
“… [Anna] gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

9. #3. Vision for Our Lives Luke 2: 34-35
34 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, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

10. Simeon In the midst of waiting for the ultimate revealing
of God’s Plan…
he works,
he worships, attends to the little things,
and stays alert.

11. Anna
Despite having a past filled with pain and disappointment, Anna longs for the Presence of God…and because she is constantly seeking Him, she notices when God shows up in life.