Read Luke 2:21-24
*We encourage you to read today’s verses at the link above or in your personal Bible.
Discover
1. Who gave Jesus His name?
2. Why did Jesus’ parents take him to Jerusalem?
3. What did they offer as a sacrifice?
Respond
Today’s verses often go unnoticed in light of the bigger Christmas story, but they give us a key glimpse into the parents God chose to raise His Son. Jewish families went through multiple ceremonies after a baby was born. As part of dedicating their child to God, they offered a sacrifice. In this case, the very child that was given to Mary and Joseph by miraculous means was dedicated back to God. This demonstrated their deep walk of faithfulness to the Lord.
While we don’t follow these same customs today, we all have something we hold in high value. It might be a child, or it might be something else, like a career, relationship, or bank account. Just like Mary and Joseph dedicated their dearest “possession” to God, we’re called to sacrifice our comforts and desires for Him.
What would you say is most valuable to you? Is there something that’s hard for you to imagine dedicating to God? Acknowledge the struggle to Him, and as Christmas Day draws close, let go of whatever is keeping you from following Him faithfully.
Want to go deeper? This article shares a few ways you can get the focus off your own wants during Christmas and dedicate yourself to God.
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all “Want to go deeper” sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.