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Light on the Lessons 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52 First Sunday after Christmas; Cycle C; December 30, 2018 Leader Guidance Materials Needed + Bibles for everyone (variety of translations often useful) + Lectionary sheets (very convenient if you use them in worship) + Chalkboard, newsprint, overhead, or another means for displaying information and recording thoughts + Basic reference books for use as needed: Bible dictionary, Bible atlas, concordance, a one-volume Bible commentary I Getting Started Read the lessons aloud before discussing them, either in advance or as they are studied. Ask participants to share prayer concerns. Then turn to the questions in “Getting Started.” The First Lesson and Gospel reveal parental feelings with which participants can easily identify. These are very “human” lessons. 1. Responses will vary. Also ask those who received such gifts how the gifts made them feel. 2. Responses will vary. The birth of Jesus is one possibility. 3. Responses will vary. Perhaps some participants have had this experience themselves. It is surely one of the worst scares parents can experience. II Check the Texts 1. 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 A. In 2:121-17, Eli’s sons are corrupt priests, taking for themselves forbidden portions of the sacrifice; compare Leviticus 3:16b and 7:30-36. In 2:22-25, Samuel admonishes his sons but only to warn them that they are endangering themselves. He might have added that they were faithless to their calling from God, or some other more noble, higher admonishment. B. Verse 2:9 states the Deuteronomic view that God blesses the righteous and punishes the wicked without fail; thus, Eli’s sons will appropriately be killed. That event is described in 4:10-11. Inserting verse 26 immediately after predicting the death of Eli’s sons indicates clearly that in this book, Samuel will replace Eli and his line as the true prophet-priest. C. Making the little robe and taking it to Samuel each year when they visited give a warm, family insight. Even 21st-century folks can relate to it. The “gift” from Hannah, verse 20, is her first-born son, Samuel, now devoted to God’s service. Exodus 1:21 shows that many children were thought to be God’s gift to the righteous. Her gift of a son caused God to give Hannah more children, thus blessing her. 2. Colossians 3:12-17 A. As the newly baptized put on a garment of pure white to indicate that they were washed clean and chosen by God, so Paul urges should Christians robe themselves with the fruits of their baptism, listing the baptismal virtues. B. “Living One’s Faith,” “Walking the Talk,” or Walking Wet” are possible titles. Share contributions from the participants and work on them to select or create the “best” title. Comments on the virtues will vary. However, encourage them to view humility and meekness and similar virtues in a positive light because our culture tends to denigrate them. They are part of what we call “civility” – thinking about the other person as well as our self. C. In verse 13b, we are to forgive as God forgave us in Christ. The recalls the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us as…” Forgiveness has a reciprocal, responsive aspect. D. In verse 14, “love” is boosted to first place by the phrase “above all.” Love brings unity and harmony; it makes life in “one body” possible. The loving actions defined in 1 Corinthians 13:5-7 all contribute to harmony and unity in community life. E. Let your participants play with the imagery in John 14:25-31. What “feeling” or “sense” does this passage give them about the “peace of Christ”? Responses will vary, but the passage does associate peace with the Holy Spirit as an on-going, growing experience. It removes fear that might paralyze our witness. It gives us a realistic perspective and the power and pleasure of this world. F. “Teach” likely means teaching doctrine and such. “Admonish” probably means moral or ethical instruction. Note that the two go together. .The three kinds of song are likely not intended to be different. It simply means to express joyful gratitude for both receiving and passing on teaching and admonishment. (Many of us prefer to receive rather than to pass on. Luther wrote his “Small Catechism” so that the head of the household could teach his family and servants the Christians basics. How many parents take on that role today?) 3. Luke 2:41-52 A. Luke 2:52 echoes 1 Samuel 2:26. B. Luke 2:41-51 describes how it happened that Jesus grew and became strong, verse 40, and 2:52 summarizes the process. Thus verses 40 and 52 for very effective literary brackets for the event in 41-51, which is chosen as an example of Jesus’ upbringing. C. Jesus’ family was clearly devout. They also gave him some freedom (verse 44) along with a disciplined family life (verse 51a). Participants will have their own views on how this contributed to Jesus growth. D. The conflict is this: Who is Jesus real Parent, God or Joseph and Mary? Many parents have experienced a child going against their hopes and dreams in order to pursue a “higher calling” of some kind. (Luther’s parents are an example.) Jesus says he must be in his Father’s house. He meant something like “within my Father’s realm of influence” rather than the specific Temple buildings. Talk about “be in my Father’s house” as an image of our Christian life. How does pursuing that role sometimes cause misunderstandings, even among loved ones? E Mary and Joseph had to contend with parenting a child of exceptional ability who, in many ways, was beyond their understanding. III What Does It All Mean? 1. Responses will vary. Plummeting birth rates pose threats to old-age benefits in Europe and the US. Some countries are reconsidering “child bonuses.” 2. Responses will vary. Share all ideas; this is an important skill to learn. As with other communications, we do well to begin not with advice but with developing a personal relationship. 3. Responses will vary. “Love” will probably be mentioned. Do any mention passing on the faith? 4. Responses will vary. We can’t forget a hurt for it has become part of our story. We can however through forgiveness let go of the hurt so that it does not drag us down. 5. Responses will vary. 6. Responses will vary. 7. Responses will vary. The element of “the name of Jesus” makes an act a Christian act. 8. Responses will vary. 9. Responses will vary. 10. Responses will vary. Encourage this kind of sharing of spiritual experiences. 11. Responses will vary. IV Into the Week Talk about last week’s suggestion.. Encourage the group to undertake #2.