MAC KIRK

Gifts we can give to ourselves and others through Christ in the New Year” I Samuel 2:18-20,26; Colossians 4:12-17; Luke 2:41-52-1 st Sun after Christmas Samuel as a young child “ministered before the Lord” and Jesus as a young person “was about His Father’s business” .   Of both it is said, “ they increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.”   That should be our goal as well if we are to live healthy, happy and holy lives in this world in preparation for the next.   We follow His steps ..” For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” I Peter 2:21 We have spent a lot of time buying gifts, looking at gifts and in general   the word most men hate, “shopping.”   Now it is time to ask ourselves what good gifts God can give us as we enter a new year in a few days.   Who wants to live this next year as we did the last?   None of us I trust.   We know we grow spiritually in the n

“Mary visits Elisabeth” Luke 1:39       This is called the Visitation of Mary and in some churches it is observed on May 31.   Prior to this in Luke the Angel Gabriel announces to Mary she will have a child in her womb.   That is called the Annunciation.   Having this knowledge that she was to bear a Son who was to be called “ Jesus” and the “ Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David” , Mary travels to see Elisabeth.          In Luke 1:36 we read, “ And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth she hath also conceived a son in her old age”   Of course we note Mary’s child was conceived without a man but Elisabeth was somewhat like Hannah in the Book of Samuel who had conceived but in her old age.   “ For with God nothing shall be impossible.” 1:37         What I note here is that we read something quite interesting that caught my attention at least .   “ And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda and ente

" The Lord is at Hand in Advent----an Attitude of Rejoicing and Response of Gentleness unto All"     Philippians 4:4-7   The Lord is at hand.   His nearness in Advent is a cause for our joy and our rejoicing.   Lack of joy may be coming from several different causes.   It may come from unresolved anger and the inability to accept what God has dealt us so to speak.   In this case it appears in the context of these verses that there was a kind of dispute between some members of the church.   This is Paul’s theme in this letter, “ be of the same mind in the Lord”.   4:3   2:2 says “ be ye like-minded, having the same love, being of accord, of one mind.   Let nothing be done through strife…”   The Apostle beseeches Euodias and Syntyche, two women who labored in the gospel to be of the same mind “ in the Lord.”   Now note that it is ok to have different views and that we should have, but our differences in perception should not overrule our unity and oneness in Chr

Advent II.   Philippians 1:3-11 “ Practicing Christian love grounded in knowledge and spiritual sensitivity till the day of Christ ( Advent)”       In this   letter the Apostle discusses we are to love “ more and more” and how we are to speak the truth and what that consists of in the spirit of Advent, that is the coming of Christ---“ that ye may be pure and without offence for the day of Christ” 1:10   These things are a part of our sanctification, that is getting closer to the holiness God requires of those who would profess in their Christian profession.   This week I read in the morning from Thessalonians where we spoke last week of Paul’s prayer for advent, “ For this is the will of God , even your sanctification.” 4:1         We are to love as the Apostle shares in the writing to the Philippians.   He says “ I yearn for you all in the affection of Jesus Christ” 1: 8 (ESV)   This is our first duty after loving God.   We say in the Holy Communion service each month: