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Week 5 The Christ Song Dec 31 Jan 6 Philippians 2 1 11 NIV In your relationships with one another have the same mindset as Christ Jesus 6 Who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage 7 rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness 8 And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord Introduction Why does this matter To sit with scripture is not an easy thing But when our minds are calm and curious scripture never fails to transform Simply reading the words of scripture is fairly easy it s letting scripture read us that takes courage the courage to be honest the courage to be patient the courage to be still This is a Christmas exercise for everyone young and old You ll find that children are often better at this than adults Through it the Holy Spirit will reveal the things of God show you truths about yourself and provide you new skills for future interactions with His Word Each week we are exploring a song out of the Gospel of Luke Each song celebrates a different aspect of the Good News of Jesus arrival on earth The songs align with Barry s message each week and will lead you beyond the message into deeper truths if you allow God to be your tour guide ___________ to the glory of God the Father 12 1

Each day this week read Luke 2 28 32 according to the steps of Lectio Divina on page 3 Use a different color each day to circle or underline words or phrases that stand out to you When you re finished with the steps ask today s question below Lectio Divina __________ What is Lectio Divina Lectio Divina is an ancient way of reading scripture that sees the Word of God beyond ink and paper While the steps begin with words on a page what s underneath will begin to emerge In practicing Lectio Divina we are trusting the Holy Spirit to teach us what words alone cannot say You may have practiced Lectio Divina before but if you have not it s simple If you have a family and or children we recommend each of you take your own booklet to work through even though part of this is done together Sunday What s the difference in a flashlight and a floodlight Has Jesus ever revealed the thoughts of your heart with one of these Monday What do you make of Simeon s prophecy that Jesus is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel Tuesday Simeon was very old It was enough for Simeon to lay eyes on the newborn Jesus and be dismissed from this life v 29 Do you trust God to do things through Jesus you will never get to see Wednesday Sit alone with God for 2 5 minutes checking your heart sincerely No matter what you find trust Him to take it Thursday If Jesus was a light to all v 31 32 why would people speak against Him v 34 Do your eyes always appreciate the light What will I do each day ADULTS Simply practice Lectio Divina as described by the steps below then consider the big question the booklet lists each day of the week with a spouse or friend if you choose Friday What about Simeon s words to Mary and a sword will pierce your own soul too What did these words mean for her Saturday As you look to a new season in 2018 how do you want Jesus to guide you more How will you let him do that ___________ FAMILIES How you do this as a family will depend on the ages of your children Lectio Divina is typically done alone but if you have young children you ll benefit from doing this partly together 1 Designate a time each day to come together 2 If age appropriate give your children quiet space for the first 3 steps instruct them to listen as they read the scripture and circle their words you may say something like God has something to tell you Not even Moms and Dads know until we listen to the Holy Spirit 3 share what you heard or learned then 4 ask and discuss the question of the day as a family Companion Songs Joy to the World Our God Saves Paul Baloche O Holy Night Sovereign Grace O Come All Ye Faithful Chris Tomlin Our God Lincoln Brewster My Soul Magnifies the Lord Chris Tomlin 2 11

Week 4 Simeon s Song December 24 30 Luke 2 28 32 NIV The Steps Simeon took him in his arms and praised God saying 29 30 31 32 34 Sovereign Lord as you have promised 1 Find a quiet place Read the week s song scripture all the way through you may now dismiss your servant in peace 2 Read it a second time more slowly underlining or circling words or phrases that stand out try to use a different color each day For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all nations a light for revelation to the Gentiles 3 Choose one or two words to return to Listen Ask God what he wants you to see or know about these words and the glory of your people Israel 4 Finally consider the question of the day you can do this alone or with others Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother This 5 Yes you will read the same scripture each day during the given week Trust the process child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be spoken against 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed And a sword will pierce your own soul too Companion Songs Each week we suggest five songs to go along with the themes of the scripture If you use one of the music services below follow our playlist by searching the title Spotify Monterey Christmas Playlist 2017 Amazon Music Monterey Christmas Playlist 2017 10 3

Week 1 Mary s Song December 3 9 Luke 1 46 55 NIV And Mary said 48 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant From now on all generations will call me blessed 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name 50 51 Monday God announced the birth of Jesus through lowly shepherds Why would he choose these Why the humble beginnings Tuesday How does God imagine peace on earth Is it simply a lack of conflict or something more Wednesday Sit still in God s peace and favor for a few minutes at some point today What do you notice during this time His mercy extends to those who fear him Thursday Do you think God s favor rests on you Really Why or why not from generation to generation Friday Like the angels in what ways do we bring glory to God He has performed mighty deeds with his arm Saturday Rest in God s favor with a friend neighbor or family members tonight as we anticipate Christmas Eve he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts 52 __________ Sunday Why did some glorify God angels and shepherds while others reacted to Jesus birth in anger and fear Herod My soul glorifies the Lord 47 Each day this week read Luke 2 13 14 according to the steps of Lectio Divina on page 3 Use a different color each day to circle or underline words or phrases that stand out to you When you re finished with the steps ask today s question below He has brought down rulers from their thrones ___________ but has lifted up the humble 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty 54 Noel Hillsong He has helped his servant Israel Noel Lauren Daigle remembering to be merciful 55 Companion Songs to Abraham and his descendants forever just as he promised our ancestors Angels We Have Heard on High Relient K O Come O Come Emmanuel Lincoln Brewster It Is Well Bethel 4 9

Week 3 The Angels Song December 17 23 Luke 2 13 14 NIV Each day this week read Luke 1 46 55 according to the steps of Lectio Divina on page 3 Use a different color each day to circle or underline words or phrases that stand out to you When you re finished with the steps ask today s question below __________ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests Sunday Do you really believe God is mindful of you Why or why not v 48 Monday Are you mindful of God What are some ways you want to practice being more mindful of Him Tuesday Jesus is the exact representation of God John 1 Colossians 1 Hebrews 1 How is Jesus a reflection of God s mindfulness of us Wednesday Take 2 5 minutes to enjoy God enjoying you Thursday What does God say about the proud and humble What does this tell us about Him Friday What did God promise Abraham and how is Jesus a reflection of that promise v 54 55 Saturday Enjoy a meal with people you love because God has filled the hungry with good things and been mindful of us __________ Companion Songs My Soul Magnifies the Lord Chris Tomlin Noel Chris Tomlin O Come O Come Emmanuel Lincoln Brewster Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery Matt Boswell O Come All Ye Faithful Chris Tomlin 8 5

Week 2 Zechariah s Song December 10 16 Luke 1 67 79 NIV Each day this week read Luke 1 67 79 according to the steps of Lectio Divina on page 3 Use a different color each day to circle or underline words or phrases that stand out to you When you re finished with the steps ask today s question below ___________ Sunday How has God enabled you to serve Him v 74 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied 68 Praise be to the Lord the God of Israel because he has come to his people and redeemed them 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 as he said through his holy prophets of long ago 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us 72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days 76 And you my child will be called a prophet of the Most High for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins 78 because of the tender mercy of our God by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet into the path of peace Monday What do you notice about light in this song What does light do and how is this like Jesus Tuesday Scripture considers all who are in Christ prophets of the Most High God not just John the Baptist v 76 What does this mean How are we instruments of God s purpose in the world Wednesday Take an unexpected walk what do you see people places nature that point to the words you ve circled so far Thursday John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus v 76 Who has prepared the way for you to know Christ more and more To whom are you grateful Friday How have the Father Son Holy Spirit saved you How are they still saving you working on you Saturday God is guiding your feet into the path of peace v 79 Where are you resisting Where are you following __________ Companion Songs Even So Come Passion Chris Tomlin Joy to the World Go Fish What a Beautiful Name Hillsong Worship Noel Hillsong Worship Our God Lincoln Brewster 6 7

Week 2 Zechariah s Song December 10 16 Luke 1 67 79 NIV Each day this week read Luke 1 67 79 according to the steps of Lectio Divina on page 3 Use a different color each day to circle or underline words or phrases that stand out to you When you re finished with the steps ask today s question below ___________ Sunday How has God enabled you to serve Him v 74 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied 68 Praise be to the Lord the God of Israel because he has come to his people and redeemed them 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 as he said through his holy prophets of long ago 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us 72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days 76 And you my child will be called a prophet of the Most High for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins 78 because of the tender mercy of our God by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet into the path of peace Monday What do you notice about light in this song What does light do and how is this like Jesus Tuesday Scripture considers all who are in Christ prophets of the Most High God not just John the Baptist v 76 What does this mean How are we instruments of God s purpose in the world Wednesday Take an unexpected walk what do you see people places nature that point to the words you ve circled so far Thursday John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus v 76 Who has prepared the way for you to know Christ more and more To whom are you grateful Friday How have the Father Son Holy Spirit saved you How are they still saving you working on you Saturday God is guiding your feet into the path of peace v 79 Where are you resisting Where are you following __________ Companion Songs Even So Come Passion Chris Tomlin Joy to the World Go Fish What a Beautiful Name Hillsong Worship Noel Hillsong Worship Our God Lincoln Brewster 6 7

Week 3 The Angels Song December 17 23 Luke 2 13 14 NIV Each day this week read Luke 1 46 55 according to the steps of Lectio Divina on page 3 Use a different color each day to circle or underline words or phrases that stand out to you When you re finished with the steps ask today s question below __________ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests Sunday Do you really believe God is mindful of you Why or why not v 48 Monday Are you mindful of God What are some ways you want to practice being more mindful of Him Tuesday Jesus is the exact representation of God John 1 Colossians 1 Hebrews 1 How is Jesus a reflection of God s mindfulness of us Wednesday Take 2 5 minutes to enjoy God enjoying you Thursday What does God say about the proud and humble What does this tell us about Him Friday What did God promise Abraham and how is Jesus a reflection of that promise v 54 55 Saturday Enjoy a meal with people you love because God has filled the hungry with good things and been mindful of us __________ Companion Songs My Soul Magnifies the Lord Chris Tomlin Noel Chris Tomlin O Come O Come Emmanuel Lincoln Brewster Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery Matt Boswell O Come All Ye Faithful Chris Tomlin 8 5

Week 1 Mary s Song December 3 9 Luke 1 46 55 NIV And Mary said 48 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant From now on all generations will call me blessed 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name 50 51 Monday God announced the birth of Jesus through lowly shepherds Why would he choose these Why the humble beginnings Tuesday How does God imagine peace on earth Is it simply a lack of conflict or something more Wednesday Sit still in God s peace and favor for a few minutes at some point today What do you notice during this time His mercy extends to those who fear him Thursday Do you think God s favor rests on you Really Why or why not from generation to generation Friday Like the angels in what ways do we bring glory to God He has performed mighty deeds with his arm Saturday Rest in God s favor with a friend neighbor or family members tonight as we anticipate Christmas Eve he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts 52 __________ Sunday Why did some glorify God angels and shepherds while others reacted to Jesus birth in anger and fear Herod My soul glorifies the Lord 47 Each day this week read Luke 2 13 14 according to the steps of Lectio Divina on page 3 Use a different color each day to circle or underline words or phrases that stand out to you When you re finished with the steps ask today s question below He has brought down rulers from their thrones ___________ but has lifted up the humble 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty 54 Noel Hillsong He has helped his servant Israel Noel Lauren Daigle remembering to be merciful 55 Companion Songs to Abraham and his descendants forever just as he promised our ancestors Angels We Have Heard on High Relient K O Come O Come Emmanuel Lincoln Brewster It Is Well Bethel 4 9

Week 4 Simeon s Song December 24 30 Luke 2 28 32 NIV The Steps Simeon took him in his arms and praised God saying 29 30 31 32 34 Sovereign Lord as you have promised 1 Find a quiet place Read the week s song scripture all the way through you may now dismiss your servant in peace 2 Read it a second time more slowly underlining or circling words or phrases that stand out try to use a different color each day For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all nations a light for revelation to the Gentiles 3 Choose one or two words to return to Listen Ask God what he wants you to see or know about these words and the glory of your people Israel 4 Finally consider the question of the day you can do this alone or with others Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother This 5 Yes you will read the same scripture each day during the given week Trust the process child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be spoken against 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed And a sword will pierce your own soul too Companion Songs Each week we suggest five songs to go along with the themes of the scripture If you use one of the music services below follow our playlist by searching the title Spotify Monterey Christmas Playlist 2017 Amazon Music Monterey Christmas Playlist 2017 10 3

Each day this week read Luke 2 28 32 according to the steps of Lectio Divina on page 3 Use a different color each day to circle or underline words or phrases that stand out to you When you re finished with the steps ask today s question below Lectio Divina __________ What is Lectio Divina Lectio Divina is an ancient way of reading scripture that sees the Word of God beyond ink and paper While the steps begin with words on a page what s underneath will begin to emerge In practicing Lectio Divina we are trusting the Holy Spirit to teach us what words alone cannot say You may have practiced Lectio Divina before but if you have not it s simple If you have a family and or children we recommend each of you take your own booklet to work through even though part of this is done together Sunday What s the difference in a flashlight and a floodlight Has Jesus ever revealed the thoughts of your heart with one of these Monday What do you make of Simeon s prophecy that Jesus is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel Tuesday Simeon was very old It was enough for Simeon to lay eyes on the newborn Jesus and be dismissed from this life v 29 Do you trust God to do things through Jesus you will never get to see Wednesday Sit alone with God for 2 5 minutes checking your heart sincerely No matter what you find trust Him to take it Thursday If Jesus was a light to all v 31 32 why would people speak against Him v 34 Do your eyes always appreciate the light What will I do each day ADULTS Simply practice Lectio Divina as described by the steps below then consider the big question the booklet lists each day of the week with a spouse or friend if you choose Friday What about Simeon s words to Mary and a sword will pierce your own soul too What did these words mean for her Saturday As you look to a new season in 2018 how do you want Jesus to guide you more How will you let him do that ___________ FAMILIES How you do this as a family will depend on the ages of your children Lectio Divina is typically done alone but if you have young children you ll benefit from doing this partly together 1 Designate a time each day to come together 2 If age appropriate give your children quiet space for the first 3 steps instruct them to listen as they read the scripture and circle their words you may say something like God has something to tell you Not even Moms and Dads know until we listen to the Holy Spirit 3 share what you heard or learned then 4 ask and discuss the question of the day as a family Companion Songs Joy to the World Our God Saves Paul Baloche O Holy Night Sovereign Grace O Come All Ye Faithful Chris Tomlin Our God Lincoln Brewster My Soul Magnifies the Lord Chris Tomlin 2 11

Week 5 The Christ Song Dec 31 Jan 6 Philippians 2 1 11 NIV In your relationships with one another have the same mindset as Christ Jesus 6 Who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage 7 rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness 8 And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord Introduction Why does this matter To sit with scripture is not an easy thing But when our minds are calm and curious scripture never fails to transform Simply reading the words of scripture is fairly easy it s letting scripture read us that takes courage the courage to be honest the courage to be patient the courage to be still This is a Christmas exercise for everyone young and old You ll find that children are often better at this than adults Through it the Holy Spirit will reveal the things of God show you truths about yourself and provide you new skills for future interactions with His Word Each week we are exploring a song out of the Gospel of Luke Each song celebrates a different aspect of the Good News of Jesus arrival on earth The songs align with Barry s message each week and will lead you beyond the message into deeper truths if you allow God to be your tour guide ___________ to the glory of God the Father 12 1

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