“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation.’”
Luke 2:29-30
Much of the excitement of Christmas Day fades for us as the years go on. But if there are young ones in your life, you probably still cannot help catching their enthusiasm. With the story of Simeon and Anna in the Bible, we catch the joy of Christmas from two very old people.
Try to imagine how Simeon’s heart leapt within him. “May I hold your child?” he asks. Then in his arms he carries the tiny newborn whose arms would one day carry him and Anna from sin to salvation. When any of us holds a baby, we can’t stop staring at the baby’s beautiful little face. That’s what Simeon was doing. And his joy was ten times that of a child on Christmas morning!
There may be some letdown when all the presents have been opened and the wrapping paper is strewn about. Realities set in—gifts don’t fit, items weren’t what we’d hoped for, bills soon come in. Along with Simeon, we have the greatest gift ever in Jesus. We face life and even death someday because we understand the significance of that baby who triumphed over death and sin for us.
Try to imagine how Simeon’s heart leapt within him. “May I hold your child?” he asks. Then in his arms he carries the tiny newborn whose arms would one day carry him and Anna from sin to salvation. When any of us holds a baby, we can’t stop staring at the baby’s beautiful little face. That’s what Simeon was doing. And his joy was ten times that of a child on Christmas morning!
There may be some letdown when all the presents have been opened and the wrapping paper is strewn about. Realities set in—gifts don’t fit, items weren’t what we’d hoped for, bills soon come in. Along with Simeon, we have the greatest gift ever in Jesus. We face life and even death someday because we understand the significance of that baby who triumphed over death and sin for us.
Scripture Focus
Luke 2:28-32
Insight
Anticipate Jesus’ second coming like little children awaiting Christmas, hardly able to sleep a wink the night before, hearts leaping for joy!
Bible In A Year
- Zephaniah 1-3
- Proverbs 26
- Revelation 8-10
