Merry Christmas Jesus My Lord!

 ^{Luke 2: 25-45 NLT}

²⁵ At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him ²⁶ and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷ That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, ²⁸ Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

 ²⁹ “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
      as you have promised.
 ³⁰ I have seen your salvation,
    ³¹ which you have prepared for all people.
 ³² He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
      and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

 ³³ Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. ³⁵ As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

Springs of Living Water is taking a Christmas and New Year break. We will resume posting and emailing devotionals after January 3, 2011.  I want to wish you a Merry Christmas, and thank you for allowing me to serve you in this devotional message this past year. Join me, too in wishing Merry Christmas to our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray and wish Him a 'happy birthday' if you wish also. Simeon, in the temple, when the Lord was but 8-days old in his humanity, was standing ready to recognize Him and praise Him. He saw in this tiny newborn the fulfillment of God's prophesies across the previous six thousand years. He recognized that the solution for sin in mankind was there in his hands. Though looking at a tiny baby, Simeon saw the crucified Lord as we can see in verse 34-34.

We can't be sure of what all Simeon meant other than what his words actually say,  for we never hear of Simeon again in Scripture or in history. Chances are, as he prayed, the Lord took him to his reward shortly thereafter. As Simeon praised God for sending the baby-to-be-redeemer, so can we praise Him for sending our resurrected-crucified-messiah-baby in such a way that everyone in the world of all time could relate to Him. You can relate to Him. He is there for you now. Let's share this greatest of gifts, during this season of gift giving.

In Christ's love

Dan

drdanelliott@gmail.com