Read Luke 2:22–32
‘When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation...”’ (vv27–30)
Luke chapter 2 tells us that when the time had come, Joseph and Mary, in keeping with the Law of Moses, took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to be consecrated (vv22–23).
A man called Simeon had been looking and waiting patiently for this moment, the fulfilment of God’s promises to Israel (v25).
As Simeon was holding Jesus in his arms, he could contain himself no longer – he burst into praise (v28).
It can be easy for us to lose hope and patience with our circumstances, sensing God has forgotten us or is not interested in our lives or situation.
Yet whatever challenges we might be facing, Christmas gives us cause to burst into praise.
As we consider the fulfilment of God’s Old Testament promises, realised in Christ, like Simeon, we can give witness to the sovereign work of God (v29), declaring the peace of God in Christ who brings salvation and light to all who might look to Him.
This hope causes us to look beyond our now and to see the bigger picture of God’s purposes, not only as we celebrate our own salvation made possible in Christ – but as we look to the final consummation of God’s Kingdom rule.
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Thank You, Lord, that whatever circumstances I am facing, I can praise You for the promises and hope I have in Jesus. Amen.’
AN ACTION TO TAKE: Think of all that Christ means to us. Allow His Spirit to motivate us to praise and thanksgiving.
SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: 1 Chron. 16:31–36; Psalm 7:1–17; Psalm 100:1–5; Phil. 4:4–9
