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THE VERY BEST GIFT Luke 2:22-40 God’s very best gift ...the grace of God was on him... Luke 2:40 forgiveness of sins This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 eternal life The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 Embrace the unexpected Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:33-36 Looking at the New Year quite differently People who believed God’s promises: Joseph and Mary: obedience immediate self-gratification vs. trusting in the Lord Simeon: faithful expectation ...was righteous and devout...was waiting...and the Holy Spirit was on him...revealed to him by the Holy Spirit...moved by the Spirit, he went...took him in his arms and praised God... Luke 2:25-28 anticipating salvation Sovereign Lord...”my eyes have seen your salvation....” Luke 2:29 accepting division “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many...” Luke 2:34 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord... and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Luke 2:22-24 Anna: belief in the Lord a prophet...never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying Luke 2:36-37 grateful for redemption ...she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38