830 Consecration to the Lord Based on Sacrifice, A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 2:22-24 with the Recenter With Christ app

830 Consecration to the Lord Based on Sacrifice, A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 2:22-24 with the Recenter With Christ app The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.  Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.  You can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tense or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate. Scripture for Meditation ESV NIV 22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons." KJV 22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. Reflection on Scripture: I almost always record my episodes moments before posting them. If you ever see them posted at 2 or 3 in the morning that is because I just finished editing them. For the last couple weeks I have been sleeping in the desert with my Marines so I pre-recorded the episodes. This year the Christmas season somewhat snuck up on me because of this trip. I slept on the ground and in the cold in the dirt. Each time I am presented with these hardships it makes me so grateful for my blessings. Sometimes the things we do in life can challenge our focus or have us asking why things happen the way they do. From moments of discomfort, grief, anxiety, or temptation sometimes our small human minds find it difficult to feel seen by a perfect on loving God.  This scripture points out something. The sacrifice for two doves was an option in place of a sheep, which would have cost much more. The sacrifice of two pigeons was known as the offering for the poor. Mary, the mother of Jesus, the very Son of God offered the sacrifice of the poor. She and Joseph must have had very little by way of earthly assets. With that said, this was far from a judgment about their quality. Our struggles serve us well when they draw our attention to the Lord and our dependance on Him.  When hardship turns our focus to God and makes us more grateful, then that hardship becomes a blessing. Mary's poverty existed conjointly with her humility. Whatever you wished your life would have been, whatever you wished would be different about your family, or this season, or any other earthly outcome it does not change God's profound love. Actually if our human weaknesses point our focus to God then we are indeed blessed. Thank God for our struggle, may it ever draw our focus to Him. During this Christmas, don't focus on what made this season incomplete, allow any challenge to draw your attention to the one who redeems all. He has overcome the world, and as such so will we. Merry Christmas. God bless us, every one.   Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?  FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

ESV 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

828 But Mary Treasured Up All These Things, Pondering Them in Her Heart, A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 2:19-21 with the Recenter With Christ app The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.  Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.  You can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tense or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate. Scripture for Meditation ESV 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. KJV 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Reflection on Scripture: Mary treasured these things, pondering them in her heart. She felt the kicks of the baby Jesus and her womb carried the Son of God. What amazing things she had to ponder in her heart. Some of it was the experience of bearing Jesus. She also saw heavenly messengers. She received messages that are written and likely had experiences that have not been recorded anywhere but in her heart. Imagine if a short book was written about your life, perhaps a few chapters. Do you think that could possibly reflect everything you thought or experienced?  Restrict it even further. Imagine writing a couple chapters about a vacation. You couldn't even capture everything from a simple human trip to a tourist spot. Imagine now an encounter with the divine. Imagine months and then years with the young Jesus. It is impossible to imagine what she pondered in her heart. What special unique blessings were meant just for her. Imagine her holding the damp child. Imagine her holding him in her arms. The feeling of responsibility resting on her of raising a child and not just any child but the very son of God.  Invariably you have had unique experiences meant just for you. Do we spend time to treasure them in our hearts and ponder them? Take the time now to think of the interactions with God that you have experienced. What ways has He touched your heart? How has God been present in your life? Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?  FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod  

RSV 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; 18 and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

826 They Spread the Word Concerning the Child, A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 2:16-18 with the Recenter With Christ app The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.  Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.  You can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tense or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate. Scripture for Meditation NIV 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. RSV 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; 18 and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. Reflection on Scripture: The Shepherds saw an angel and heavenly host and went to find the baby Jesus based on that guidance. They were able to see the baby Jesus and they knew he was from heaven. They became convinced of the truth of the Gospel of the coming of Christ. When they were given the chance to understand and rejoice with the baby Jesus, they went and shared what they knew. These Shepheards were not theologians. They were not wise.  I often meet people who love God but feel intimidated to talk about their faith because they dont have some deep understanding of the bible, ancient languages, or systematic theology. Yet even the most simple Christian has what these Shepherds have which is a knowledge of Jesus Christ. I wonder if the shepherds received more information that what we are given here. Did they understand the depth of Jesus' role? Did they understand what his coming earthly mission would look like? They probably did not understand the cross, or resurrection and yet they rushed to proclaim what they knew.  You have information about Jesus. If you know that Jesus Christ is the path to the Father and are dedicated to faithfully following him you will gain such more profound personal understanding. If you know Jesus is the Christ you possess a greater understanding about salvation that most people throughout History. YOu have been uniquely blessed with this Message of love. Do not hide it. Share the love. Not just the knowledge but the experiential love of God. During this time of year strive to be that message of love that proclaims the glory of God.  Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?  FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

ESV 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest,     and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."

824 Peace on Earth, A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 2:13-15 with the Recenter With Christ app The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.  Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.  You can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tense or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate. Scripture for Meditation KJV 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. ESV 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest,     and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." Reflection on Scripture: Jesus is the source of Peace on Earth. Peace to all people with whom the Lord is pleased and the Lord is pleased with those who receive Him. There can be peace in your life as you please the Lord. Through His love and Grace you please Him. Abide in that love. Live in that Love. Do everything you do in the name of that Love, the Godly agape love that causes the Lord to be pleased with us. Every thought should be moderated by that undying love that causes the Peace of the Lord to descend on us. I cannot imagine the thrill that these shepherds experienced. As they had a message of God's glory both preached but also shown unto them. When they heard this and saw the glory of the heavenly hosts, the wanted to share it. When we are loved in such a profound and deep way that transforms us, we should equally want to share that love. Do we receive of God's abundant love and then turn to the world in spite and disinterest? Do we hold grudges? Do we hate? Or are we inspired by the Love of God that brings peace to our lives to be able to let those human weaknesses go? At a time of year when people gather together, undoubtedly there are good and bad memories remembered but also created. My hope is that God's message of love breaks through our human experience and fills us with peace, and that this peace is poured out to everyone we know. Jesus said people could know his followers by their fruits ye shall know them. Do we live in the fruit of God's grace?  Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?  FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod  

Luke 2  KJV 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

822 Fear Not There Is A Savior, A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 2:10-12 with the Recenter With Christ app The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.  Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.  You can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tense or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate. Scripture for Meditation Luke 2  KJV 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. NABRE 10 The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." Reflection on Scripture: Do not be afraid. So often when angels show up to humans they repeat this message. Dont be afraid. Fear seems to be something God does not want us to experience, especially in relationship with pure Glory. In 2nd Timothy it says God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind. In other places in scripture it talks about fear of the Lord but this is more about deference to His glory and grandeur. We should recognize the amazing blessing that the God, who created the universe, is concerned with our life. That fear is also described as respect.  But with so many bad things happening in the world and the fact that evil exists in the world, why would we not be afraid? I love how clearly this scripture answers that question. The solution to fear is not self aggrandizement. We don't need to make ourselves feel powerful in order to overcome fear. What is the solution then? We have a savior. We have a Messiah, an anointed one who will rescue us. If we have a Messiah, what else is there to fear? We all will have bad things happen to us and eventually lose people we love. We will all die. But God has overcome the world. There is nothing to fear there. Another place in scripture that says that We shouldn't be afraid of people who can only kill us but rather fear God who can kill us and send us to Hell. Yet we have a God who has chosen not to leave that as the only option but to offer us eternal salvation. With a God who has chosen to offer us eternal joy with Him, what is there to fear. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?  FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Luke 2  NIV 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.