Advent Discovery Walk – Week 6

Luke 2: 27-34
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 may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
    which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.  Then Simeon blessed them..."

One of the first steps that Jesus' parents took was to take him to the Temple to present him to the Lord.  They were given no special instruction manual on how to handle a baby who was also the Messiah of the world.  They simply followed the first logical step after having a baby during that time and according to Jewish law.  It is interesting that their path intersected with other Jews who were waiting for this step to be fulfilled.  And after they took this simple step, they were recipients of a hidden blessing!

When we stand at the beginning of a New Year, it is easy to look ahead with hope for things to be better in the days ahead.  But when it comes to a journey that may challenge us and stretch us in unknown and unpredictable ways, we tend to face some anxiety and even fear.  One way to face the unknown is to do what we know to do, like Mary and Joseph.  Think about the steps you could take in the days ahead.  What is one step you could take to say "yes" to your invitation?  Did you realize that there may be others who will be blessed by that step like Simeon?  And in the end, are we usually the more blessed because of it?

This final week in the Traveler's Pack is entitled Stepping Out. It will help guide you to think about those steps you may take and to envision yourself on the other end of this new journey.  May you be doubly-blessed on your journey! (download here)

Prayer:  Lord, like a shepherd lead us as we take wobbly and unsure first steps into the unknown and may we experience Your Presence all along the way.  Like Jesus after He was presented at the Temple, may we grow and become strong, filled with your wisdom and blessed with your grace (Luke 2:40).  Thank you for reminding us that growth requires trust in You.  May You be glorified in all we do!  In Jesus's Name we pray - Amen!