Lent 2023 – Day Three – Luke 2
Welcome to our Daily reflections for Lent.
We have provided a number of ways of using these reflections.
- You can listen to it in podcast style by clicking on the first audio file. (approx 20 minutes);
- You can listen to the reflection and the prayers with a shortened length for personal prayer (approx 6 minutes);
- You can read your own version of the Bible and then listen to the reflection, play the hymn in the embedded YouTube clip and then listen to the prayer section;
- You can choose to just read through it and ignore the audio files; or
- any combination of the above.
However you choose to use them we hope you will find them helpful and thought provoking.
Full Audio of today’s reflection including Bible passage (approx 20 mins).
Audio of Reflection and shortened prayers (Approx 6 mins).
Read Luke Chapter 2. In your own preferred version. The audio uses the NIV.
Link to the Bible Gateway NIV version (Opens in a new tab)
Audio of reflection
“An event for everyone”
Reading the Christmas story during the season of Lent, perhaps allows us to see a little more clearly, without the distractions of the season and all of its busyness, the reason for the coming of Jesus into the world. He came not for the religious, the wealthy, the perfect but for everyone.
The theme that stands out for me in this chapter is the power of words of affirmation. Words from the angels, the shepherds, Anna and Simeon and from Jesus himself. Although we are reading about Jesus in this chapter, our own words of affirmation are important. Words of encouragement and truth are required in all circumstances but especially as we speak to those who are feeling a calling from God. Our words which speak God’s heart into those situations. I remember when I was desperately trying not to respond to a call to preach many different people spoke words of encouragement, words which challenged me and spoke to me of God. I have now been preaching for over 25 years and still feel as called and affirmed as when I first said “OK God, I’m not sure this is for me but let’s try it and see where we get together”.
The words spoken in the passage also tell of the fulfillment of God’s promise in the coming of Jesus into the world. A promise which continues to resonate with us as in our own lives as we journey with him. Sometimes aware of his presence, sometimes not but assured that he is always with us.
In this season of Lent, we look once again to encounter Jesus in that personal way. We join with Simeon in saying “with my own eyes I have seen your salvation” and join with the shepherds in glorifying and praising God for all we have heard and seen. Hymn: Singing the Faith – 175 – “Light of the world”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j60zn7lrMY8
Daily Sketch
Today’s passage spoke to me of the personal experience of salvation that we see with our own eyes.
Let us pray together.
Audio of Prayer section
After the contemplation words. The audio has approximately four and a half minutes of the quiet background music for your own prayers. If you would like longer just stop the audio and re-start it when you wish. If you want a shorted period “drag” the audio to 05:45 which is just before the final prayer.
Contemplation Words
“With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation;” (v 30 The Message)
Contemplative Prayer
Think of the words in order to understand context and meaning, Feel the meaning of the words with and in your heart,
Pray, using the words, for yourself or others. With only a name and without explaining the reasons or pre-defining any answers.
Listen for God’s voice in the quiet of your prayers.
Pray using your own prayers or one of those which have been prepared below.
Twitter Prayer
Lord in our busy lives may we, like the shepherds, be prepared to drop everything so that we can hurry to see Jesus. Amen
Facebook Prayer
Lord give me a word of affirmation today. A word which will encourage someone in their journey with you. A word which may start a new aspect of their relationship with you or a word which will show your desire to develop an aspect of that relationship further. Amen.
Full Prayer
Loving God as we reflect on the coming of your Son into the world we stand in awe of the wonder of that day. We ask that, like the shepherds, you will give us a vision of where we can find Jesus in our own lives. Give us the enthusiasm of the shepherds to drop everything and to hurry to see this Saviour of the world.
Help us to have overflowing joy and enthusiasm when we speak of our Lord. Let our words flow with praise and worship. May we speak of the truth of the promises you have made which are demonstrated in our own lives.
Lord give me a word of affirmation that I can share with someone today. A word to encourage first steps or further steps in your service. Use the inadequate words that I will say, by the power of your Spirit, to transform lives and build your Kingdom. Amen
Copyright Notices
Reflections and Prayers
By Chris Hancock
Hymns
Hymn words where displayed are in the Public Domain. Hymn organ recordings where used are from Small Church Music. Copyright notice: Rev. Clyde McLennan, performer in this collection, has assigned his performer rights in this collection to Hymnary.org. Non-commercial use of these recordings is permitted. Other hymns are from YouTube and covered by YouTube copyright processes.
Bible Readings
Bible readings are from the New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Images
Images where used are from pixabay.com and free for commercial use no attribution required.
Background Music
Sound Effect from Pixabay
Andrew kn – At the edge of space II – Re-mixed and tinkered with by Chris Hancock as permitted by the Pixabay licence.
