I. The
(2:8-9)
For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly[a] of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. —Hebrews 12:18-24
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son[a] from the Father, full of grace and truth. —John 1:14
II. The
(2:10-12)
Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name
—Acts 15:14
We discover that this good news is that someone has been born:
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins —Matthew 1:21
No one has ever seen God; the only God,who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. —John 1:18
waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ —Titus 2:13
To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ —2 Peter 1:1
Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men —Philippians 2:5-7
III. The
(2:13-20)
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your[a] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. —Colossians 3:1-4
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[e] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. —Philippians 4:6-9
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. —Luke 2:20