Have you ever waited for something that you were promised would happen? It seemed to be taking a long time and you were just not sure it was going to happen? I think that is how Christmas seems for children, like it is far, far away. It is a gift you have promise of, but you cannot see it yet.
We make promises to each other. Some of them we intend to keep, some of them we do not plan to keep and some of them just don’t work out along the way. The days of a man, or woman’s word being their bond is not necessarily the norm now. That is why it is so refreshing when you are around people that hold to these standards. One thing we can count on through eternity is that God will keep His promises to us.
In the book of Luke, within the story surrounding Jesus’ birth, we see the story of a man that had been waiting on a promise to be fulfilled for some time. In chapter 2:25-32, Luke includes a narrative about a man named Simeon. He had lived an upright and godly life, so much so that he was filled with the Holy Ghost. He devotedly waited for the coming Messiah. He received a promise that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
It happened that Simeon was led by the Spirit into the temple at the same time that Mary and Joseph had brought Jesus in for purification and dedication as the Law required. He saw the Babe, took Him in his arms and blessed God.
He proclaimed that the Lord would now allow this servant of the Lord (meaning himself) to depart in peace according to the word he had been given, because he was looking at the salvation which God had prepared for all people. This Babe would be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and He would be the glory of the people of Israel.
What an amazing promise to be fulfilled! I would say that Simeon considered this a special gift that was well worth waiting for.
For those that are followers of Christ, the challenge for us from this passage could be seeking to develop the same certainty, patience and belief for Christ’s second coming as Simeon had for His first coming.
How can we apply this to our lives? Simeon was consistent. He spent regular time in the temple, looking for the Lord’s Christ. How consistent are we? Do we spend time in God’s house looking for Him? To apply this to our lives maybe we should allow ourselves to be filled with the Holy Spirit that will lead and guide us toward the Christ.
My faith is strengthened when seeing that God fulfills His promises. As chaotic as this universe seems, God puts all things on this big spinning globe in order for His promises to fall into place at the right place and at the right time.
I thank You and praise You Lord for the Gift of the Christ child. The special Spirit that hovers over this special time of year can live in our hearts all year round. Help me to keep the Christmas glow clasped to me all year round. I will keep looking for that second-time-around Gift that is meant for me and all of those that follow Christ.
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“25 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. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 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, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” Luke 2:25-32
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I feel that since God has given me the gift of this platform, I must always tell you about my Jesus.
What is your relationship to the all-knowing God of the universe? Do you know Jesus? Do you know the peace that can come only from an intimate relationship with Him? You can know Him. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, born into human flesh, sinless, crucified and giving His life freely, buried, arisen on the third day, will come into your life and change the outcome of your eternity. You just have to be willing to believe and accept His truth.
Here is an excellent website that can give you additional information about making your decision for Jesus Christ! PeaceWithGod.net
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Restricted Vision, Unburdened Sight 