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On his visit to...

Illustration
First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
Luke 2:41-52

On his visit to the Temple, Jesus amazed the Jewish teachers with his intelligent answers, and proved himself a child prodigy. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was another child prodigy who amazed his elders with his musical talent.

The story is told that when Mozart was 2 years old, he was taken to visit a farm. When he heard a pig squeal, the young Mozart called out "G-sharp." Anxious to see if he was right, someone ran inside to a piano and struck G-sharp. Everyone was amazed to discover that little Mozart was correct. All who heard him were amazed at his intelligent answers.
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Object: The object of the lesson is a gesture you will teach the children.

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Jesus warned against with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God. Through our worship today let us pledge ourselves to seek our treasure only in God.

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Jesus, sometimes we envy others because of all they possess.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we desire all that money can buy.
Christ, have mercy.

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For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.... Let those who are wise give heed to these things, and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
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How do you focus on something unseen? How can we set our minds on that which we can't touch, or taste, or verify scientifically? Most practical people want proof. Abstract propositions are difficult to get our arms around, especially if they are from another time and place.
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This story begins with gift -- with blessed gift -- with miraculous, blessed giftedness. And I will even tell you now the theme of the story: if you keep your eye on the giftedness of everything, then you yourself can be a gift, you can be a giver, rather than a hoarder.
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