Sermon | Luke 2:21-40 | HOW DOES A WEARY WORLD REJOICE? - 6. "We root ourselves in ritual" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin, Indiana

Sermon | Luke 2:21-40 | HOW DOES A WEARY WORLD REJOICE? - 6. "We root ourselves in ritual" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin, Indiana Taking time to pray is a wonderful ritual. The ancient Jewish prayer that Jesus, no doubt, would’ve practiced would be saying the Sh’ma from Deuteronomy 6: Hear O Israel, the Lord is God, the Lord is One… Love the Lord, your God, with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all of your strength. Mary and Joseph would’ve taught Jesus to say that prayer when he woke up, when he ate, when you left the house, when he returned, and when he laid down to sleep—every day without exception. When your day is anchored in and around everything belonging to God—especially YOU—first and foremost, it impacts how you live and eat and interact with the world. It’s a beautiful ritual we might consider taking up. What about in the moments where you are caught off-guard? where you are confronted with great tension in a conversation? Or where someone says something that you strongly don’t agree with? Or when you receive difficult news? Do you have a ritual to stay grounded? Do you have a ritual to help you move forward in that moment in such a way that you are pleased with once the tension is gone? I’ll offer one to you that is similar to the Sh’ma, but easier to remember and utter in moments of tension: use space in your bulletin to write, if you’d like—or get out your phone to make a note. A breath prayer is where you inhale while addressing God in any manner you prefer: O Lord, Jesus, my savior, Holy Spirit, Creator, Father, Mother, Etc. And then you make a request or proclamation as you exhale: You are holy Be with me Guide my spirit Show me your love Let me show your love to others One I use is, “Holy Lord, I am wholly yours.” And I breathe over and again saying it over and again. When someone hurts me: Holy Lord, I am wholly yours Holy Lord, I am wholly yours —let my thoughts and actions reflect my complete belonging to you rather than reflect my self-centeredness or self-focus. Holy Lord, I am wholly yours When someone is rude: Holy Lord, I am wholly yours When things are happening around me that leave me on edge or anxious: Holy, Lord, I am wholly yours. _____________________________________ Take a moment and reflect upon 2023: What do you need to let go of? What are you eager to leave behind? What do you dread leaving behind? Take a moment and reflect upon 2024: What anxieties do you have? What hopes do you have? As you prepare for the New Year, I invite you to craft a breath prayer: Inhale: Address God Exhale: make your request or proclamation As you prepare for the New Year, what rituals do you feel led to bring into your life?: more regularity in worship with your church? Morning or evening prayers? Quiet reflection upon all that you are grateful for in a 5-10 minute period every day—perhaps after a meal…or on a drive to/from school/work? What other rituals might you consider? What are some rituals of people you are close to—maybe ask them and try one. God is with you every step of the way, friends. The Holy Spirit is always leading us through the changes of life—to help us grow deeper into our humanity as it was revealed to us in Jesus Christ. Find ways to remember to listen and look for the Spirit’s guidance in the every day living of your life…no matter what you face…whether it’s hope for a more just world…or the piercing of your heart with what that justice might mean for you, too. Find rituals to help you rejoice amid the weariness of all you face and carry. And, through them, let God be your firm foundation in the new year ahead. Amen.