Luke 2:35

So that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.

From Background Notes [BN] for Dec 12th & 13th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Mary’s firstborn was destined to unsettle the world, and one day it would push Jesus out of the world and onto the cross. There was no room for the troubler of Israel who would reveal the inconvenient truth about human beings.

For Mary that would mean a pierced heart and the deeper work of the Spirit on her journey as Jesus’ first disciple. And it is the same for us. Our decision, witnessed in baptism, leads to conflict with the world that has no room for Jesus, “and a sword will pierce” our hearts also. Disciples are called to “deny self, take up the cross, and follow Jesus” (Mark 8:34; Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23). [BN,8]

Join us this week in Worship, Praise and Celebration at C1:

* Saturday 6:00pm
* Sunday 8:30am & 11:15am
* Family Xperiance (FX) 10am