Embracing Light and Community in the New Year
Summary
In this time of reflection and renewal, we gather to embrace the warmth of community and the light of Christ. As we transition into a new year, we are reminded of the importance of being surrounded by those we love and who bring warmth to our lives. This season, we embark on a journey through the Beatitudes, exploring how they serve as a blueprint for a life of blessing, deepening our connection with God, and fostering better relationships with others. This exploration will be enriched by our midweek gatherings, where we will delve deeper into these teachings, guided by James Howell's book, "The Beatitudes for Today."
We also celebrate the spiritual growth of our children and youth through the Milestones of Faith program, recognizing their journey and achievements in faith. As we are mindful of the cold season, we are called to extend our compassion to those in need by collecting essential items for the Greensboro Urban Ministry. This act of giving reflects our commitment to serving others and sharing the light of Christ.
Today, we remember those who have passed, including Ida Glasgow's mother and former President Jimmy Carter, whose lives have left a lasting impact. We also hold the community of New Orleans in our prayers, mourning the senseless violence that continues to plague our world. In the midst of these challenges, we find hope and light in our service to others, such as our monthly breakfast at Weaver House.
As we gather for communion, we are reminded of the light that guides us, just as the star led the Magi to Jesus. This light continues to illuminate our path, inviting us to share it with others. Through the distribution of star words, we are encouraged to reflect on how we can embody God's love and light in our daily lives. May these words guide us, just as the star guided the Magi, and may we be transformed into people of the light, shining brightly in a world that often feels dark.
Key Takeaways:
1. Community and Warmth: Embrace the warmth of community and the love of those around you. In times of cold and darkness, the presence of loved ones can provide comfort and strength. Seek to be a source of warmth and light for others, reflecting the love of Christ in your interactions. [03:24]
2. Blueprint for Blessing: The Beatitudes offer a step-by-step guide to living a life of blessing. By embodying these teachings, we can strengthen our relationship with God and others. This journey requires intentionality and a willingness to grow in love and compassion. [06:48]
3. Acts of Compassion: In this season, we are called to extend our compassion to those in need. By providing essential items to those less fortunate, we reflect the light of Christ and demonstrate our commitment to serving others. Let us be mindful of the needs around us and respond with generosity. [10:19]
4. Guided by Light: Just as the Magi were guided by a star to Jesus, we are invited to follow the light of Christ in our lives. This light leads us to truth, hope, and transformation. May we be attentive to the ways God is guiding us and be willing to follow where He leads. [21:20]
5. Reflecting God's Love: Through the distribution of star words, we are encouraged to reflect on how we can embody God's love in our daily lives. These words serve as reminders of the light we are called to share with the world. Let us be intentional in our actions, seeking to shine brightly in all that we do. [24:52]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:24] - Season of Wonder
[06:48] - Beatitude Blueprint
[10:19] - Milestones of Faith
[12:53] - Communion Sunday
[16:30] - Confession and Assurance
[20:08] - The Light of Stars
[21:20] - The Magi's Journey
[23:36] - Star Words and Guidance
[24:52] - Blessing the Star Words
[51:03] - Joyful Feast
[53:04] - Recognizing Jesus
[55:25] - Communion Elements
[56:09] - Gifts of God
[58:00] - Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 5:3-12 (The Beatitudes)
2. Matthew 2:1-12 (The Visit of the Magi)
3. John 8:12 (Jesus as the Light of the World)
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the Beatitudes, and how do they serve as a guide for living a life of blessing? [06:48]
2. How did the Magi use the star to find Jesus, and what significance does this have in the context of the sermon? [21:20]
3. What role does community play in the sermon, especially during the cold season? [03:24]
4. How does the sermon describe the act of giving and its importance in reflecting the light of Christ? [10:19]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways do the Beatitudes strengthen our relationship with God and others, according to the sermon? [06:48]
2. How does the sermon suggest we can be guided by the light of Christ in our daily lives, similar to how the Magi were guided by the star? [21:20]
3. What does the sermon imply about the impact of community warmth and support during challenging times? [03:24]
4. How does the act of giving, as described in the sermon, reflect our commitment to serving others and sharing Christ's light? [10:19]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the warmth of community. How can you be a source of warmth and light for others in your life? [03:24]
2. Choose one Beatitude to focus on this week. How can you intentionally embody this teaching in your interactions with others? [06:48]
3. Identify a need in your community. What specific action can you take to extend compassion and reflect the light of Christ to those in need? [10:19]
4. Consider how you are being guided by the light of Christ. What steps can you take to be more attentive to His guidance in your life? [21:20]
5. Reflect on the star word you received or a word that resonates with you. How can this word guide you in embodying God's love and light in your daily actions? [24:52]
6. Think about someone in your life who may be struggling. How can you offer them support and share the light of Christ with them this week? [03:24]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of giving into your routine, ensuring it becomes a regular reflection of your faith and commitment to serving others? [10:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Community as a Source of Warmth
In times of cold and darkness, the warmth of community and the love of those around us can provide comfort and strength. This season invites us to embrace the warmth of community and the light of Christ, reminding us of the importance of being surrounded by those we love. As we transition into a new year, we are encouraged to seek to be a source of warmth and light for others, reflecting the love of Christ in our interactions. This is a time to gather, reflect, and renew our commitment to fostering relationships that bring warmth to our lives and the lives of others. [03:24]
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community needs your warmth and support today, and how can you intentionally reach out to them?
Day 2: The Beatitudes as a Blueprint for Blessing
The Beatitudes offer a step-by-step guide to living a life of blessing, serving as a blueprint for deepening our connection with God and fostering better relationships with others. This journey requires intentionality and a willingness to grow in love and compassion. By embodying these teachings, we can strengthen our relationship with God and others, allowing the Beatitudes to transform our lives. As we explore these teachings, we are invited to reflect on how they can guide us in our daily interactions and decisions. [06:48]
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, ESV)
Reflection: Which Beatitude resonates most with you today, and how can you apply it to a specific situation in your life?
Day 3: Acts of Compassion Reflecting Christ's Light
In this season, we are called to extend our compassion to those in need, reflecting the light of Christ through our actions. By providing essential items to those less fortunate, we demonstrate our commitment to serving others and sharing the light of Christ. This act of giving is a tangible expression of our faith and a reminder of the importance of being mindful of the needs around us. As we respond with generosity, we are invited to consider how our actions can make a difference in the lives of others. [10:19]
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." (Proverbs 19:17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific act of compassion you can perform this week to reflect Christ's light to someone in need?
Day 4: Following the Light of Christ
Just as the Magi were guided by a star to Jesus, we are invited to follow the light of Christ in our lives. This light leads us to truth, hope, and transformation, guiding us on our spiritual journey. As we gather for communion, we are reminded of the light that guides us, inviting us to share it with others. May we be attentive to the ways God is guiding us and be willing to follow where He leads, allowing His light to illuminate our path. [21:20]
"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to seek God's guidance today, and how can you be more attentive to His leading?
Day 5: Reflecting God's Love Through Star Words
Through the distribution of star words, we are encouraged to reflect on how we can embody God's love in our daily lives. These words serve as reminders of the light we are called to share with the world, guiding us in our actions and interactions. As we reflect on these words, we are invited to consider how we can intentionally embody God's love and light, shining brightly in a world that often feels dark. May these words inspire us to be people of the light, transformed by God's love. [24:52]
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: What star word resonates with you today, and how can it inspire you to reflect God's love in a specific way this week?
Quotes
I hope that you have had an opportunity to be with some people that you love this season, and I hope that is part of what has brought you here to this place today, that you desire to be with people who warm you, people who are among those you love. [00:03:24]
We're going to explore how the Beatitudes provide a step-by-step blueprint for constructing a life of blessing, strengthening our connection with God, and building better relationships with others. So we're really excited about this. So excited that we decided to add, an extra little element of, of education and community building to that. [00:04:34]
We also are aware that there are people who do not have access to the same kinds of things that we maybe take for granted, like socks and hats and long underwear. So we'll be doing a collection of those throughout the month of January and then donating those to Greensboro Urban Ministry. [00:10:19]
We also, as a nation, mourn the loss of, one of our former presidents, Jimmy Carter, passed away as many of us know here recently. Whether you liked his politics or not, I think we could all agree that he was probably one of the best human beings, of our lifetime and certainly lived out his Christian, Christian witness better than many or most people do and have. [00:08:17]
Help us be people of the light shining your light of righteousness peace and joy into all the dark places of our lives and world unlock the mystery and glory of the babe born in Bethlehem turn our aimless wanderings into a journey of purpose guided by your star let the light break into our lives and our world and transform us into people of the light. [00:16:30]
Friends as certain as the dawn follows the night so is the promise of God's forgiveness and love for us all arise and shine follow that star find the light of the world born in Bethlehem and be transformed from darkness into light as forgiven followers of Jesus the Christ Amen. [00:17:49]
They found, what did they find? Baby, baby Jesus. That's exactly right. Except Jesus was probably more like two years old at this time, but we're not gonna talk about that. They found Jesus, the light of the world, and it's the same light that still helps to lead and guide us today. [00:22:31]
And each of these stars has a special word on it. Our star words on Epiphany. So everybody's gonna get one of these and I'm gonna ask some young people, if you're not going to jams, would any of you like to help me pass out these star words a little bit later in the service? [00:23:03]
So, so generous of you. So each person is gonna come by as they take communion, they're gonna get their communion elements and then they're gonna come and they're just gonna reach in the basket and they're gonna take one of these stars. And it's got a word on it. They're not, what they're not gonna do, guys, is they're not gonna look in the basket and pick through and say, ah, that's not mine. That's not mine. They're just gonna take it because the Spirit of the Lord is gonna direct their hand to the right star word. [00:23:49]
Or it might say dance. Now, how do you think those things like laughter or listening or dance, how can those things help show God's love or help shine the light of the Lord into the world? Can you think of anything? [00:24:34]
We remind you that it is part of our worship, part of our response to the word, part of our response to the light, part of our response to the gifts poured out on us and in us and through us to return our thanks through the giving of our gifts so that those gifts might be light to others. [00:48:34]
The Gospel says that Jesus sat at a table with some travelers and He took bread and blessed it and broke it and gave it to them and then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him. Perhaps in the same way, the Magi recognized Jesus when they came to the place where the star led. [00:53:04]
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