Christian Reflection and Prayer

And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he
would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ
(Luke 2:26).        Read Luke 2:25-27.

 

We are moving further away from Christmas Day. For
most of us life is returning to normal. Back when I was a
child I would be back in school by now, or I would know
that it was only a few days away. Time passed for Jesus
too. He didn't stay a baby. Like every other child He
quickly grew. In our reading He is now more than a month
old, and Mary and Joseph take Him to Jerusalem for His
presentation.

 

At the same time they carry Him into the temple courts,
an Israelite man enters. Luke describes Simeon in much
the same way he had spoken of John the Baptist's father,
Zechariah, when he first introduced him. Both men were
righteous through their belief in God, firm in their faith,
and waiting anxiously for Him to keep His promise and
send the Savior. The Holy Spirit had given Simeon a
remarkable promise: he would not die before he had
seen the Christ. During his lifetime the Messiah would
come, and Simeon would see Him with his own eyes.

 

Simeon was a rare Israelite in his day. By the Holy
Spirit's guidance, he understood the Old Testament
promises accurately. The Christ would comfort His
people by saving them from their sins -- not by driving
out their earthly enemies, as most Jews expected.

And this very day Simeon feels a powerful urging from
the Holy Spirit to go to the temple. As he passes
through the temple courts, he is drawn to a young Boy
being carried by His mother and father.

 

THE PRAYER:

 

Heavenly Father, You revealed Your Son to Simeon.
As I read the Bible, reveal Him to me that I may know
His salvation and praise You forever in heaven. In
Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

(Advent Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)