25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
- P128
29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."
- P129
33The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
- P129
In Jerusalem, Simeon, a righteous and devout man, waits for Israel‘s consola-tion. The Holy Spirit has revealed to him that he would not die without havingseen the Lord‘s Messiah. When Mary and Joseph bring Jesus, Simeon takesHim in His arms and praises God. He then prophesies that the child is destined-to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel. - P129
For Simeon, an obedient Jew full of expectancy to meet the Messiah, the wait is over. Led by the Spirit, he enters the temple courts and sees Jesus, who is undergoing purification rites in accordance with the Mosaic Law. Simeon exclaims that he can die in peace now that salvation has come. And it has come, not by keeping rules or through self-improvement, but through a person. When we come to fully understand this, our hearts can be at rest on earth while looking forward to our home in heaven. Simply because of what Jesus has done, we discover peace and joy unspeakable. Therefore, let us ever fix our eyes on Jesus and the salvation He offers. - P130
Simeon was rightfully anticipating a Messiah who wouldsatisfy his biggest need: the forgiveness of sins. On Christmas, we celebratethis truth that never gets old: Jesus was born so that He could die on thecross in order that we might be free from punishment and forgiven fromall sins, for all time. - P130
Dear Lord, I praise You! For on this day over two thousand years ago, salvation arrived in human form. Thank you that I can enjoy perfect peace now, regardless of how I feel about myself—for I know that I am forgiven because of the cross. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P131
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