Scripture: Luke 2:22-40

 

Script

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, everyone!

Pastor: Sammy, today is a very special day.

 

Sammy: Yes it is! Happy Groundhog’s Day!

 

Pastor: No, Sammy. I mean, today is Groundhog’s Day, but that’s not what I was talking about.

 

Sammy: (CHOOSE) Punxsutawney Phil saw/didn’t see his shadow, so there will be six more weeks of winter/an early spring.

 

Pastor: Oh, Sammy.

 

Sammy: Pastor, these events are important in the world of animals and farmers. We have to know when spring is coming, and Phil is our expert weather-groundhog. There was a groundhog ball and a groundhog banquet this week in his honor. Punxsutawney Phil is famous.

 

Pastor: Here we go again.

 

Sammy: Pastor, did you know that Groundhog’s Day is actually rooted in a special day called Candlemas Day? Christians would bring their candles to the church on Candlemas Day to have them blessed, and this blessing would bring blessings into their house for the rest of winter. Did you tell the congregation to bring their candles today?

Pastor: Well, not but I–

Sammy: So eventually, Candlemas Day evolved and had weather predictions attached to it. There’s an old English song that says, “If Candlemas be fair and bright/Come, Winter, have another flight;/If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,/Go Winter, and come not again.”

 

Pastor: I am not seeing how the Groundhog fits in here.

 

Sammy: The groundhog’s name is Phil. Punxsutawney Phil. German Christians introduced a new tradition where they had little hedgehogs running around. If the hedgehog saw his shadow, then there would be six more weeks of Winter.

 

Pastor: Punxsutawney Phil is not a hedgehog. He’s a Groundhog.

 

Sammy: Yes I know he’s a groundhog, Pastor. When the German Christians arrived to the United States, they had a hard time finding hedgehogs, but Groundhogs were everywhere. Punxsutawney Phil was elected by the animals to serve as the chief weatherman on Candlemas Day, and he’s been predicting the weather since 1887.

 

Pastor: You mean to tell me that Punxsutawney Phil has been predicting the weather since 1887. He’s been alive since 1887.

 

Sammy: Exactly. That’s why he’s famous.

 

Pastor: Sammy, I am glad you shared all of this information about Candlemas and Groundhog’s Day with us.

 

Sammy: You’re welcome.

 

Pastor: Hearing about traditions in our church is always good. Lots of wonderful things we do today were started by Christians before us. Let’s say a prayer. Please fold your hands and bow your heads with me. Dear Jesus, thank you for inspiring your sons and daughters to seek blessings. Thank you for helping us come to you in the middle of Winter for comfort. We look forward to celebrating the joy of your resurrection and the new life we get to experience in you this Spring. Amen.

 

Sammy: Bye, everyone. Happy Groundhog’s Day!

 

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

“The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.”  But He said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given” (Matthew 19:10-11).

There is a difference between living with what we think is right and the reality in which we find ourselves.  We can go to the place where we make such sweeping statements.  Notice what the Lord says.  He is filled with compassion for our sinful state.  Do not make broad declarations which apply to only a few.  Our Lord will take us from where we are and move us to where we need to be.

Lord, You have given us the gift of marriage.  Beyond the reality of bringing forth the generations, there are many things we learn through marriage which teach us how it was meant to be from the beginning.  Lead me, Lord, so that I do not just think of myself, but others, and willingly see them through Your eyes.  Through faith, help me live the message You have given me that they may come to know You.

Lord Jesus, all things have been put into place for Your own purposes.  I only know in part.  Help me to live the portion You have shown me.  In this world filled with broken people, guide me to live graciously with kindness and mercy.  Except for Your grace, I would be like the worst of them.  Continue to be the One Who leads me in all circumstances and guides me to be compassionate and loving. Amen.