Day Nine – Stars

Today's Reading

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. 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 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 marvelled at what was said about him.

Luke 2:25 -33 (NIRV)

Today's Podcast

You will need:

Star template

Turn off all the lights and switch on a torch as you read today’s Bible reading. When you get to the word “light” switch on all the other lights in the room and read the rest of the passage.

Jesus parents took him to the temple when he was about six weeks old. Simeon was an old man who had been waiting all his life to see the Messiah, who God had promised long ago. He believed that Jesus was that promise come true!

Jesus and his family were Jewish, and most of the people in the country he lived in were Jewish. A Gentile is anyone who isn’t a Jew. Simeon is saying that Jesus is for all the Jewish people and everyone else in the whole world. No one is left out.

Chat Together:

How do you think Simeon knew that the tiny baby in his arms was the promised Messiah?

Who do you think Jesus is?

Add lots of stars to your window display to show that Jesus is a light for everyone, everywhere! You can also add an extra big star. In other parts of the Bible we are told that the wise men followed one special star to find Jesus. Talk about things in the world that you think are “dark” or sad, difficult, dangerous. Pray that the light of Jesus would be known in all those situations.

Share your window!

Why not see how many others of your friends and family can get involved with making a Christmas Window this year! At the end of every day you could take a photo and send it to friends, and ask them to show you what their window is lookling like!