West Park Baptist Church

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WP Stories: Community Groups

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“A few people at West Park asked if I was leading a Community Group, before I inquired about it!  I wanted to ‘host’ a lady’s group and the Lord knew exactly who would facilitate!

It is simply amazing how we have grown & love together! Through much prayer, encouragement from each other, tears and lots of laughter. We find ourselves learning & embracing the smallest of details in scripture.

I didn’t know 2 years after my husband passed into heaven, the Lord would give me such an abundance of love & friendships through this group! I’ve always believed your church family is a very necessary, important, supportive & loving gift from Jesus!

Anyone wanting a connection, a fellowship, a community relationship, and to share the challenges and joys of becoming more like Jesus….this is it!

Giving God all the glory!!!!”

Week 4: The Sanctity of Life

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ALL life is sacred, holy, and precious to God. During the month of January, the West Park Prayer Ministry Lead Team would like to encourage our church family to use this weekly prayer guide as we focus on life from the “womb to the tomb.” 

Set a time to do this together with your household whenever possible. One method would be to use the family devotions format. After a meal, or at the time you choose, follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Have someone or several people read the passage(s).

Step 2. Discuss the passage(s) by asking:  What does it say about God and us?  What should we do in response to what we have read?

Step 3. Review what you have learned or have been reminded to think or do based on the passage(s). Take time to turn these back to God in prayer. Praise Him for what His word has shown you. Ask Him to keep His promises in situations in your life.

Step 4. Take time to sing a hymn, song of praise, or spiritual together.

Step 5. Take opportunities to encourage those in your community with what God is teaching you.

Prayer Guide

Week Four – Seniors

Jan. 23 – 2 Timothy 4:1-8

As the world drifts farther away from God and what He has taught us, help us to be faithful and strong to stand on God’s Word. Help us to teach the Word to our children and grandchildren at every opportunity. Open our eyes to see the teachable moments that pop up every day. Help us to purposefully invest the years we have remaining in the lives of others.

Jan. 24 – Luke 2:25-32

The bible records the account of faithful Simeon who watched and waited patiently, expectantly, for God to reveal the Messiah as foretold in the scriptures. Simeon was well-acquainted with God’s Word and immediately recognized when the prophecy came to pass. Let us keep God’s Word in our hearts that we, too, may be aware that God is at work all around us.

Jan. 25 – Psalm 37:25

When we get anxious about our circumstances, when there seems to be no way out, God makes a way! When resources are nowhere to be found, help us to hear the bleating of the ram in the thicket. The experience of the lifelong believer is that God’s timing is always perfect and His supply is more than sufficient.

Jan. 26 – Job 12:12

God’s clear commandment is that we should honor our earthly fathers and mothers that our days may be long on the earth. Help us to submit to the authority of our parents and come to appreciate their knowledge and wisdom, born from experience.

Jan. 27 – Isaiah 46:4

God is all knowing and all powerful; yet He gently carries us even into our final years, as a loving shepherd would a new lamb.

Jan. 28 – ll Corinthians 4:16

God helps us even in our later years to stand strong for Him regardless of the trials we face in our flesh. May our spirits be renewed every day as we spend time with God in prayer and meditation on His Word.

Jan. 29 – Ecclesiastes 12:13

At the conclusion of his life, King Solomon the Wise realized a great truth. He concluded that nothing a man could do was more important than to live a life of reverence for God and to obey His commandments. The sooner in life we learn this lesson the better. May we impress this truth on the hearts of those around us by our words and behavior.

Jan. 30 – Psalm 112:1-3

Let us remember that we are to lay a foundation of spiritual and material blessings for our descendants to help sustain them for the future. May the decisions that we make today not be a burden to our descendants in the days ahead.

Jan. 31 – Psalm 71:17-21

Sometimes it is difficult for senior adults to keep up with changes in society and technology. May we be protected from those who seek to do us harm through technologies that we do not fully understand. We know that God is not finished with us yet, so let us be active learners that we may communicate His unfailing love to our families and peers who need guidance and encouragement.

WP Stories: Community Groups

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I’ve been a member of West Park since 1990, but the last several years were hard times for me. I had strayed away from the Lord and West Park. When things started to improve in my life, I felt the Lord calling me back.

Since being back I have renewed old friendships and joined a community group. It was the best thing I’ve done in my life for years. The people in my group have helped me so much. I have learned so much about praying and my devotion time with the Lord. Also, I am now more open with people and am no longer uncomfortable in speaking up in our group discussions and praying.

Today, I am back where I need to be with the Lord Jesus in my life. My community group is the main reason.

A Personal reflection for Martin Luther King Day- 2022

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I have a hobby collecting the writings of Dr. Martin Luther King.  One of his most impactful writings is his 1963, “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”.   Of the many notable things Dr. King wrote, the following resonates often with me:

“Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.”


“Understanding vs. misunderstanding.” “Good will vs. ill will.” “People vs. people.”

I grew up in the Jim Crow era of institutionalized segregation in Louisiana.  I was nine years old when Dr. King was assassinated in 1968.  It was not until 1998 that the last vestige of legalized segregation was finally struck down by the courts in my home state.  By that time I had transitioned to living in Tennessee, and in the most unpredictable of circumstances, I inexplicably became a member of West Park Baptist Church.

Since becoming a covenant member of WPBC, one of the things that I have come to love and appreciate deeply is this:  West Parkers are by far people of love, understanding and good will!

That makes all the difference in the world to me. Why?  Because of…

“Understanding vs. misunderstanding.”  You know what drives the gulf between these two extremes?  It’s not facts or a stronger position.  It’s much simpler than that.  It’s about “five seconds”.  That’s the amount of time it takes to make the choice to listen or not.  When you are in the right, and your brother (or sister) is wrong, the first step to helping them move to a better place is to demonstrate that you are willing to listen.  Listening enriches dialogue.  We desperately need more dialogue.

“Good will vs. ill will.”  How have we allowed this gulf to become so wide in the Church of Jesus Christ?  We must reclaim, and own, the sphere of good will.  Good will is a fruit of the love that Jesus declares is the greatest of all—that we would lay down our lives for one another.  I am afraid that if Jesus came back at this moment, he would declare how have you become people of ill will vs. good.  We must continue to fight to reclaim this space.

“People vs. people.” “Imago Dei” Made in the image of God.  First used in Gen. 1:27, this little phrase represents a powerful truth.  When people are divided because of sin, it stains the beauty of God’s design.  People of understanding and good will are resolute in their desire to stop pitting people against people.  When Jesus declared what does it profit someone to gain the whole world and lose their soul, I think of the evil fruit of people vs. people. 

So as we think about Dr. King’s vision, we certainly have come a long way.  And while there is still a long way to go, if people, united by understanding and good will, resolve to live in the hope that we have in Jesus, progress will continue to the glory of God.  It’s a legacy Dr. King would appreciate.

Week 3: The Sanctity of Life

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ALL life is sacred, holy, and precious to God. During the month of January, the West Park Prayer Ministry Lead Team would like to encourage our church family to use this weekly prayer guide as we focus on life from the “womb to the tomb.” 

Set a time to do this together with your household whenever possible. One method would be to use the family devotions format. After a meal, or at the time you choose, follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Have someone or several people read the passage(s).

Step 2. Discuss the passage(s) by asking:  What does it say about God and us?  What should we do in response to what we have read?

Step 3. Review what you have learned or have been reminded to think or do based on the passage(s). Take time to turn these back to God in prayer. Praise Him for what His word has shown you. Ask Him to keep His promises in situations in your life.

Step 4. Take time to sing a hymn, song of praise, or spiritual together.

Step 5. Take opportunities to encourage those in your community with what God is teaching you.

Prayer Guide

Week Three – Adulthood / Justice & Unity

Jan. 16 – Romans 2:9-11

May we treat all people as those made in the image of God. Help us as believers to regard everyone as being worthy of love regardless of their race, ethnicity or socioeconomic background/status.

Romans 12: 9-18

May our fellowship with the Father be reflected in our fellowship with my brothers, sisters, and others that I interact with daily. Otherwise, we are in opposition to the Father. Help us as believers to understand that we must attempt to reconcile our differences, as much as possible, when conflicts arise.

Jan. 17 – Micah 6:8 

God has called us to himself because of His unlimited grace; thank Him for unmerited favor. May I show the same grace, mercy and love to those around me.

Deuteronomy 6:20-25

We remember the blessings and the difficult times that God brought us through during our childhood and teenage years. These experiences made us who we are today. Let us share those things with our children so they can know the faithfulness of God. We know that a reverent fear of God will always be for our good. 

Jan. 18 – James 2:1-4

We are commanded in the Word to show no favoritism. Rich and poor come before God with equal standing and in need of the same mercy and grace. May God help us to be obedient in responding to those around us with equality.

1 Peter 3:8

Forgive us for being haughty in our actions toward others. We know that the only way those around us will come to know Jesus is by seeing us as sympathetic, tenderhearted and humble in all our ways. We do not have an excuse for mistreating anyone because God has made us reconcilers to those who do not yet know Jesus. 

Jan. 19 – Colossians 3:14,15 

May God help us to love as He loves so that we can live together in unity and harmony bringing God glory.

Ephesians 5:25

The Father has tasked the husband with an awesome responsibility to be a leader in the home and especially a lover of his helpmate. God has compared the relationship of the husband in the home with the wife to our relationship of Christ and the Church. Let husbands not take this role lightly, and ask God to help us to better understand the giving of ourselves for our wives. It is sometimes difficult to place our wives and others above ourselves.

Jan. 20 – 1 Corinthians 1:10

As believers in Christ may we have a testimony before the world that shows perfect unity.

James 3:17-18

May we understand that the fear of the Father is the beginning of wisdom. This fear is not a fear of terror but reverence. When we are at peace with the Father we can become a conduit of peace, gentleness, open to reason, mercy, good fruits, impartiality, and sincerity to those in our family, church, work, and daily encounters.

Jan. 21 – Deuteronomy 24:17

May believers ensure that the underprivileged and the marginalized always be treated with dignity and respect and never be deprived of justice. But for the blood of Jesus Christ none are worthy to stand before God. We were all slaves to sin, now redeemed by Jesus.

Psalms 139:1-4

We are aware that nothing is hidden from God, and He is aware of those things treasured in our hearts that are not pleasing to Him. Our thoughts sometimes lack the luster of the cross–redemption, grace, and mercy has faded into familiarity. God is fully aware of our thoughts even before our tongue expresses them. May God reveal those ungodly thoughts to us and give us the ability to abandon them and fill that space with pure thoughts in order to live a holy life that portrays Jesus.

Jan. 22 – Isaiah 40:31

We all know that patience is not a strong suit for most of us. God tells us to wait on Him in all our endeavors. Waiting is difficult for us! The world tells us that if we do not get it now, it will not be there for us in the future. When we wait on the Father our strength is renewed.

WP Stories: Community Groups

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“After about two years in the Sunday morning congregation at West Park, Zane and I joined the Young Adult Community Group in April of 2021. West Park is the first church that Zane and I have both enjoyed and felt comfortable in the worship services and our only hold up before joining the church as members was finding a community: a group of people we related to, could share our life with, and could rely on to listen to us and pray for us. We found that group! And not only have we found the community that we prayed for — the people we relate to — but we’ve also made friends who are different from us. We’ve gotten to know people who have been through circumstances we’ve never imagined. We’ve had the opportunity to pray for and love on our friends who have gone through hardship, and to be excited with friends who have had good news!

And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47

In the Young Adult Community Group alone, we’ve seen this verse ring true. We are blessed with visitors and new members nearly every week. One of the biggest blessings in Zane’s and my life is the chance to work for the Heavenly Kingdom and watch it group with this group of people we call friends and family.

If you haven’t found your community within the church family, I encourage to reach out to the church office. That’s what I did! Through the “Contact Us” page on the church website, I explained who we are, what stage of life we’re in, and what we were looking for, and I was pointed in the right direction!”

Advent 2021 Prayer Guide

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Family devotions and personal worship are great spiritual disciplines to embrace in this Advent season and continue year-round.

1. Gather with those in your home to set apart a daily time together (15 minutes or more is fine…right after a meal is ideal).

2. Have someone read the passage for that day.

3. Discuss what it means in light of Jesus. What does it say about Him or His coming?

4. Pray in response to the passage. Thank God for fulfilled prophecies, answered prayers, renewed hopes, etc. Ask the Holy Spirit to keep your hearts focused on His Word.

5. Sing a hymn or carol of the season.

Week 1 – The Prophets (Hope)

Nov. 28 – Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

Nov. 29 – Psalms 122

Nov. 30 – Isaiah 2:2-5

Dec. 1 – Romans 13:11-14

Dec. 2 – Micah 5:1-5

Dec. 3 – Genesis 3:1-15

Dec. 4 – Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:22-23

Hymns: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, Silent Night, The First Noel

Week 2 – The Bethlehem, The Way (Faith)

Dec. 5 – Isaiah 40:3-5

Dec. 6 – Psalms 72:18

Dec. 7 – Isaiah 11:1-10

Dec. 8 – Luke 1:26-38

Dec. 9 – Isaiah 8:11-15, Romans 9:32-33

Dec. 10 – I Peter. 2:6-8, Matthew 21:42

Dec. 11 – Isaiah 53

Hymns: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Do You Hear What I Hear

Week 3 – The Shepherds (Joy)

Dec. 12 – Matthew 2:10-11

Dec. 13 – Psalms 146:5-10

Dec. 14 – Isaiah 35:1-10

Dec. 15 – Luke 2:8-14

Dec. 16 – I John. 1:1-4

Dec. 17 – Revelation 1:4-8

Dec. 18 – Zechariah 9:9

Hymns: Joy to the World, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Rise Up Shepherd and Follow

Week 4 – The Angels (Peace)

Dec. 19 – John 3:16-19

Dec. 20 – Psalms 24:1-10

Dec. 21 – Isaiah 7:10-14

Dec. 22 – Luke 2:8-20

Dec. 23 – 1 John 4:10

Dec. 24 – Galatians 4:4-5

Hymns: Away in a Manger, O little Town of Bethlehem

Christmas Day – The Christ (Love) – John 1:14; Psalms 96; Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-40; Titus 2:11-14

Hymns: O Come, All Ye Faithful, Go Tell It On the Mountain

Week 2: The Sanctity of Life

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ALL life is sacred, holy, and precious to God. During the month of January, the West Park Prayer Ministry Lead Team would like to encourage our church family to use this weekly prayer guide as we focus on life from the “womb to the tomb.” 

Set a time to do this together with your household whenever possible. One method would be to use the family devotions format. After a meal, or at the time you choose, follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Have someone or several people read the passage(s).

Step 2. Discuss the passage(s) by asking:  What does it say about God and us?  What should we do in response to what we have read?

Step 3. Review what you have learned or have been reminded to think or do based on the passage(s). Take time to turn these back to God in prayer. Praise Him for what His word has shown you. Ask Him to keep His promises in situations in your life.

Step 4. Take time to sing a hymn, song of praise, or spiritual together.

Step 5. Take opportunities to encourage those in your community with what God is teaching you.

Prayer Guide

Week Two – Children & Teens

Jan. 9 – I Timothy 4:12

For all believers, regardless of age, obedience to the word is required to please God. May we submit to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide our words, actions and testimony at the point of salvation so that young and old alike can impact the world for Christ.

Jan. 10 – Deuteronomy 6:7-9

Parents are to teach children by their words and by their actions, their talk and walk. God’s statutes are to be taught at church and at home; not just at morning devotion, but throughout the day. God’s word affects our lifestyle and the daily activities of our households.

Jan. 11 – 2 Timothy 3:14-15

Teaching God’s word to our children imparts wisdom and discernment so that they, at salvation, can grow in spiritual maturity.

Jan. 12 – Matt 19:13-15

As we pray, we teach our children how to pray, and even more so the importance of prayer. May we set aside business and daily take time to pray with our children. May our homes be houses of prayer.

Jan. 13 – Deuteronomy 4:9

May we diligently and with discernment, share our faith walk with our children and grandchildren, in our mountaintops and our valleys.

Jan. 14 – John 3:16

Because of His great love for us, God spared not his innocent Son, though Jesus asked if it were possible. May we love our children and by using godly discernment, let them suffer consequences of sinful actions. They will grow in their faith through trials by depending on Jesus.

Jan. 15 – Prov 1:8-9

May the things parents teach their children be grounded in God’s word, and so impact their inner person that their outer person—behavior–reflects one who is favored by God.

Week 1: The Sanctity of Life

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ALL life is sacred, holy, and precious to God. During the month of January, the West Park Prayer Ministry Lead Team would like to encourage our church family to use this weekly prayer guide as we focus on life from the “womb to the tomb.” 

Set a time to do this together with your household whenever possible. One method would be to use the family devotions format. After a meal, or at the time you choose, follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Have someone or several people read the passage(s).

Step 2. Discuss the passage(s) by asking:  What does it say about God and us?  What should we do in response to what we have read?

Step 3. Review what you have learned or have been reminded to think or do based on the passage(s). Take time to turn these back to God in prayer. Praise Him for what His word has shown you. Ask Him to keep His promises in situations in your life.

Step 4. Take time to sing a hymn, song of praise, or spiritual together.

Step 5. Take opportunities to encourage those in your community with what God is teaching you.

Prayer Guide

Week One – The Womb

Jan. 1 – Psalm 139:13-16

God formed us in our mother’s womb. He knows us intimately—even better than we know ourselves. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Praise God for His marvelous works.

Jan. 2 – Psalm 127:3-5

Children are a reward and heritage from heaven. They bring happiness to a family. Let us praise and thank God for this incredible blessing.

Jan. 3 – Psalm 27:10

God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. We can trust Him because He is faithful and His promises are true. Let us remember this when we face challenges.

Jan. 4 – Jeremiah 1:4-5

God knew all about us even before we were formed in our mother’s womb. He has a plan for our lives and has set us apart for a special purpose.

Jan. 5 – Isaiah 54:13

Children are a precious gift from God. Let us recognize the awesome responsibility of being a parent, grandparent, or guardian. May we seek His wisdom as we train our children in the ways of the Lord. Let our prayer be that our children will desire, seek and follow the Lord all the days of their lives.

Jan. 6 – Galatians 1:15

From the time of our birth, God set us apart for His service. It was by His grace alone that we were chosen. May we walk worthily according to His holy will.

Jan. 7 – Genesis 1:27

God is the creator of all things and we give Him praise. He made us in His very own image—male and female. By His divine design He created us physically diverse to be fruitful and multiply.

Jan. 8 – Psalm 22:10

God has known us before the beginning of time and continually watches over us. May we walk in step with Him and keep our eyes on Him for wisdom and guidance.

Day 28: Saturday, December 25th

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Family devotions and personal worship are great spiritual disciplines to embrace in this Advent season and continue year-round.

  1. Gather with those in your home to set apart a daily time together (15 minutes or more is fine…right after a meal is ideal).
  2. Have someone read the passage for that day.
  3. Discuss what it means in light of Jesus.  What does it say about Him or His coming?
  4. Pray in response to the passage.  Thank God for fulfilled prophecies, answered prayers, renewed hopes, etc.  Ask the Holy Spirit to keep your hearts focused on His Word.
  5. Sing a hymn or carol of the season.

Christmas Day – The Christ (Love)

  • John 1:14

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

  • Psalms 96

1 Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! 4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! 8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts! 9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! 10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.” 11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 12 let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy 13 before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.

  • Isaiah 9:2-7

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

  • Luke 2:1-40

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

  • Titus 2:11-14

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Suggested hymns: O Come, All Ye Faithful, Go Tell It On the Mountain