December 7-13: Haggai 1-2; Zechariah 1-4; 7-14

"Holiness unto the Lord"

Carla Louise Shurtliff Jimison (American, born 1960)

A House of Glory (1997)

Intaglio/etching, 23.5 x 17.63 inches

Collection of the Springville Museum of Art, Gift from David and Ingrid Nelmelka, Mapleton, 1998.002

Used with permission of the artist

In Haggai, the prophet Haggai urges the people to stop neglecting God’s temple and prioritize rebuilding it. Promising that God will abide with them and bless their efforts. He encourages leaders like Zerubbabel and Joshua, assuring them that their work has lasting significance despite humble beginnings. In Zechariah, the prophet Zechariah receives a series of visions that symbolize God’s Spirit empowering the rebuilding of the temple. Later chapters emphasize authentic worship, calling people to practice justice, mercy, and compassion rather than empty rituals. Prophetic visions look ahead to the coming of a king, future conflict, and ultimate restoration, where God will bring peace and reign over all.

A central theme is prioritizing what truly matters, especially putting spiritual commitments above personal comfort or distraction. We should rely on God’s strength, not human power, as seen in the message that success comes through God’s Spirit. These chapters emphasize authentic and faithful living, showing that outward rituals alone are meaningless. Finally, they highlight hope and future restoration, pointing toward a time when peace and righteousness will prevail.

These passages feel especially relevant in how they challenge us to examine our priorities. What gets our time, energy, and focus? Carla Louise Shurtliff's etching A House of Glory is mysterious. Why is this work titled as it is? What is glorious about it? As you ponder these questions, reflect on the fact that these chapters offer a reminder that meaningful progress often requires persistence and reliance on something greater than oneself, especially when results feel small or slow. Altogether, these chapters encourage people to live with purpose, stay committed to what matters most, and trust that small efforts contribute to something bigger.

Gospel Questions

1. Is being engaged in a meaningful and purpose life comfortable?

2. How do you encourage others when progress feels slow?

3. How do you act when you are filled with hope? How might you be different if you acted that way no matter the circumstances?

For Children and Youth

Hi. God told His people to focus on what really matters and to keep going, even when things felt hard or small. He promised to help them and make things better in the future.

1. How can you remember Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ every day?

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