"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: Luke 2:22-24

 January 3

​"After the days required by Moses to make a mother clean had passed, Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem. They took Jesus to present him to the Lord. They did exactly what was written in the Lord's Teachings: 'Every firstborn boy is to be set apart as holy to the Lord'.” -Luke 2:22-24 (GW)

​Joseph and Mary were careful to do all God's word commanded regarding Jesus including dedicating him to God in the Temple. All firstborn sons were to be presented to God after circumcision according to Jewish law one month after birth (Ex.13:2). In this way, they acknowledged their child belonged to God, who alone has the power to give life. For 40 days after the birth of a son, mothers were considered ceremonially unclean and couldn't enter the Temple. At the end of this time, they were to dedicate their child to God just as Mary and Joseph did. Jesus was God's Son, but his family carried out all requirements. Jesus wasn't born above the law but fulfilled it perfectly. As Christians, we too need to be dedicated to God in a New Year. For that purpose we offer this:

New Year Prayer For You

May unexpected eternal blessings in this New Year

Free you from all burdens of the past bringing dedication to God

With Fresh Freedom to live, love, and laugh without fear.

As the sound of ringing New Year bells fades-may you know

Trials of the past year will become mere Memories now revealed as Blessings in Disguise for Pilgrims seeking Faith, Hope, and Love.

May Divine Guidance in your New Journey offer Wisdom

And grant Courage sufficient to persevere through another year,

Trusting Good will prevail over all Evil in God's time.

May you know the clear Truth that Love is stronger than Death

As the star of Christ's Light beams everlasting Hope

Revealing the invincibility of your immortal human soul

As Divine Love cheers you onward in the waiting year

Reminding us wisdom lies in surrendering trepidation, anxieties,

And fears to God who understands the eternal meaning

Of the mysterious complexities of all present suffering and fear

And compassionately waits to tenderly remove every tear

As God transforms pain into healing and defeat to Victory.

-Mary B. Johnson

​Meditation For The Day: Dedication brings Transformation! 

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)