In recent years, I have been struck by a portion at the end of the most commonly read Christmas passage. Interestingly enough, this part of the passage that isn't always read, but it pauses me every time I read it. Jesus is born, and just shortly after is seen by Simeon, of whom we read:
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.~ Luke 2:25-32
Jesus, the Promised One, the Messiah of Israel was finally born! Yet this Anointed One is proclaimed "a light to the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel." I am stilled by Simeon's proclamation which announces that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies in yet another way, specifically the prophecy in Isaiah 49:6 foretelling that the Messiah is to be the Saviour of the whole world, not only Israel. All the love, peace, and comfort Jesus offers is for everyone. He was promised to the Chosen People, a promise that is spoken of over and over in the Old Testament, but the rest of the world was no after thought.
How marvelous that God's plan included a Way for everyone, most especially His people, but also all other nations as well! How wondrous that Jesus would choose to leave heaven and all its glory to come here to a sin-filled earth, all the while knowing the suffering He had ahead of Him! And He really thinks we're worth it. What an amazing thought, and a what an tremendous love the Lord God must have for us! His purpose for coming to earth was to give redemption and eternal life to all who ask, and that is something money cannot buy and death cannot take away. What a truly indescribable gift God has given us through His Son!
Let us not forget that, while it is His birth we celebrate at this time, the reason He came is because of His love for us. As you contemplate this precious Gift, I hope that your heart will truly be filled with the wonder of all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for you.. just as the wonder of it all has filled mine.
So, as we commemorate the birth of Christ today,
May the light of His Word shine in your hearts,
And the glory of His presence be very real to you.
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And may you never forget the Christ in Christmas.
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