By: Billy and Meg Autrey
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Scripture
Luke 2:22-32 (NIV)
22When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” 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. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For 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.”
Devotional Thoughts
In this section Luke reminds us that Jesus came to be presented as the firstborn for all to see and as he has promised to us, like he did to Simeon, we will get that opportunity. If we look for Him we will find Him there for he is “a light for the revelation to the Gentiles.” With all the anxiety that comes with Christmas we hope that this year we can all take a step back and remember that God came to remind us that he never forgets his promises, and that if we are looking for Him, he will be there. Hope is not something that we are ever finished with, no matter where we are in our walk with faith.
Question to Consider
Look around – where are you seeing God right now? God has given us this amazing opportunity to remember that if we are looking, He is there.
Prayer
Lord, help me remember in this busy time to lean on that hope and joy Jesus brought. Thank you that you are faithful to fulfill your promises, sending us your son as a light for our world.
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