December 17, 2016, Lectionary

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The OldTestament "virgin" sign is about an incident 700 years before Jesus. I wonder what of this story accompanies its later mention. Isaiah 7:10-16

This psalm has a refrain depending on God for repentance (turning) and salvation, pleading for a smile from God (face shining). Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

Jesus, human through the line of David, was (by power, holiness, and resurrection) shown to be divine, the Son of God. Romans 1:1-7

Jesus means Savior. Emmanuel means God with us. Only by God being with us can God save us from our sins. Matthew 1:18-25

Thoughts about Listening

Troubles nearby can obscure vision. Talk about and listen to bigger vision today. Isaiah 7:10-16

It's a wise thing to ask for listening, to ask that someone take time to focus and give you the gift of an ear to hear. Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

Forget about what you deserve or do not deserve. In some ways, from birth up, everything is undeserved, so receive peace. Romans 1:1-7

Before speaking or otherwise reacting to something troubling or puzzling, taking some time to think can bring new solutions. Matthew 1:18-25

Bible Reading Group Homework

1.    Do you know anyone who, according to you, takes too long to make up his or her mind? Does it sometimes seem to take a long time for you to reach a decision? Explain and discuss.

2.    Read or listen to Isaiah 7:10-16. Scan the surrounding verses and tell the story in this Old Testament reading. Who was looking for small-time help and blind to big-time trouble? What was God’s solution?

3.    Read or listen to Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19. Discover and read aloud together the repeated phrases here. Discuss how it feels to you as you read them.

4.    Read or listen to Romans 1:1-7. Who is Jesus? This is one of Paul’s most in-depth descriptions of the true identity of Jesus. Discuss how Paul said it. Paraphrase it in your own words. Tell your ponderings on what this might mean.

5.    Read or listen to Matthew 1:18-25. Draw or dramatize the story. When did the dream come, while Joseph was doing what? Find and compare the two names for Jesus, and their stated meanings. Try to describe any connection you see between the two names. Will you let Jesus save you?

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1. ¿Conoce usted a alguien, que según usted, tarda demasiado en tomar una decisión? ¿A veces parece que a usted le toma mucho tiempo para llegar a un decisión? Explicar y discutir.

2. Leer o escuchar Isaías 7:10-16. Analizar los versículos circundantes y contar la historia de esta lectura del Antiguo Testamento. ¿Quién estaba buscando ayuda a pequeña escala, cegado a los problemas grandes? ¿Cuál fué la solución de Dios?

3. Leer o escuchar el Salmo 80:1-7, 17-19. Descubra y lea en voz alta las frases repetidas aquí. Discuta cómo se siente usted al leerlos.

4. Leer o escuchar Romanos 1:1-7. ¿Quién es Jesús?  Esta es una de las descripciones más profundas de Pablo sobre la verdadera identidad de Jesús.  Discuta cómo lo dijo Pablo. Parafrasear con sus propias palabras. Diga sus reflexiones sobre lo que esto  podría significar.

5. Leer o escuchar Mateo 1:18-25. Dibujar o dramatizar la historia. ¿Cuándo llegó el sueño;  mientras, qué es lo estaba haciendo José? Encuentre y compare los dos nombres para Jesús,  y sus significados escritos. Trate de describir cualquier conexión que vea entre los dos nombres. ¿Dejará que Jesús lo salve?