Musings on Christmas - Part 4

Luke 2:29-32

“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
For my eyes have seen Your salvation
Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”

The words of Simeon, a "just and devout man," upon seeing the child Jesus at the temple. 

Simeon had been promised by God that he wouldn't die until he had seen the Messiah. Even though it would be more than 30 years until Jesus would hang on that cross, Simeon recognized in Him the salvation of the Lord. 

Simeon proclaims the reality of this Savior. He is not presented for the Jews only, but for all people. He brings revelation to the Gentiles and glory to the people of Israel. 

That is why we celebrate Christmas. The birth of the Savior is for the world. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son..."

If we are celebrating Christmas, we must be honest with ourselves. Have we seen, like Simeon, the Lord's salvation in this child? Have we accepted this Savior, whose birth we celebrate? Or is the day just another day off work, a day with family or friends?

Christmas IS special because it reminds us that this child, this Jesus, is the greatest gift we could ever receive.

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