C HRISTMAS 1B D ECEMBER 28, 2014 Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:22-40 Holy Innocents 1 st Century BC.

CHRISTMAS 1BCHRISTMAS 1BDECEMBER 28, 2014DECEMBER 28, 2014

Isaiah 61:10-62:3Isaiah 61:10-62:3

Galatians 4:4-7Galatians 4:4-7

Luke 2:22-40Luke 2:22-40

Holy InnocentsHoly Innocents

11stst Century BC Century BC

Collect for Christmas 1BCollect for Christmas 1BAlmighty God, you poured on us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may radiate from our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Centreville VA -- Adult Lectionary Forum 2014

Prayer for Christmas 1B [Holy Innocents]Prayer for Christmas 1B [Holy Innocents]We remember today, O God, King Herod’s slaughter of the holy innocents in Bethlehem. Receive into your merciful arms, we pray, all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants while establishing your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

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Time Stamp: 706 BC

Ezekiel defines a true prophet as “one who repairs the wall and stands in the breach on behalf of the people (Ezekiel 22:30).” The Spirit that provided for Simeon's hope, provides for Isaiah’s joy. Those who would see Christ must also go to his temple.

Mission Quite Possible•Two views [61:10-11]:•--Isaiah’s praise for Jerusalem on its change of fortune on receiving God’s promises•--Christ acknowledging the NT church for triumphing in gospel grace• Either way, we should rejoice with joy in God's honor•As God’s spokesman, Isaiah reaffirms his mission [62:1]•His spirit- anointed mission so basically & deeply transforms Zion that it must be renamed (Isaiah 62:2).•Isaiah’s mission still needed today: Church to be above reproach worldwide•Many of today’s Christians often see Christ as fulfilling today’s reading•Until the 2nd coming, though, these promises will remain unfulfilled.2The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you

shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give.3You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Centreville VA Adult Lectionary Forum 2014

10I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

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4:4-7] 4:4-7]

Time Stamp: 56 AD

Paul hopes to recover Galatians from inroads Judaizing teachers enjoyed enticing them to abandon Christian faith. His tack: Reveal weakness & folly in allowing themselves to be lured from Gospel doctrine of justification, & thus be deprived of their freedom from bondage of Mosaic law. He succinctly captures redemptive design of Christ event for Galatians… & us.

State of OT Church [Vv 1-3]

•Like an underaged child --In a state of darkness & bondage• Compare to light & liberty we enjoy under the NT gospel

NT Enlightenment [Vv 4-7]

•"May the temper & conduct of sons ever show our adoption; & may the Holy Spirit witness with our spirits we are children & heirs of God.“•Gospel’s dispensation puts Christians in a better state—Christ redeems us!• --Wonders of divine love & mercy toward us•--No longer slaves to Sin, but adopted sons of God through Christ

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Centreville VA Adult Lectionary Forum 2014

6And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”7So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

4But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,5in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.

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SynopsisSimeon & Anna confirm what Angels foretold & Magi already suspected: Jesus was indeed a very special child who would shatter Judaic paradigms.

Parental Duty [Vv 22-27]•At 8 days old, Jesus circumcised & then named Yeshua ~ 2 Joshuas•--Moses’ successor•--High priest who prefigured Christ•At 40 days old, Jesus & his mother are presented for ritual purification•2 turtledoves were proper offering

“Simon Says…!” [Vv 28-32]•Lays foundation of Jesus’ reputation•Encourages Jesus’ parents•Introduces Savior-elect to Temple hierarchy –too bad those watchmen were blind to its significance•Hearts will be revealed—good & bad

Anna Agrees [Vv 36-38]•84-year old Galilean Prophetess; Penuel’s daughter ; Tribe of Asher

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Centreville VA Adult Lectionary Forum 2014

34Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed35so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”