Christmas

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Christmas Reading Plan | Week 3 Day 5

Prayer

As you come to spend time with Jesus, calm your mind and body until you feel fully present. Thank Jesus that he came to save you!

Bible Reading: Luke 2:25-32

Read these verses three times slowly.

Now 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. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved 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, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

Reflection & Questions

We aren’t told how many people were faithfully waiting for the Messiah to come, but Simeon was one of them. In fact, he was promised that before he died he would see the Messiah. We’re told that he was “waiting for the consolation of Israel.” This is the comfort of a suffering people. Simeon was waiting for one who would bring comfort. Waiting for Simeon, as it is for all of us, must have been hard. Day after day after day of seeing brokenness and oppression and the lack of spiritual vitality of the people around him. But that day, the wait was over. As he lays eyes on Jesus, he prays. “…my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.” Amazingly, Simeon realizes in that moment that the Messiah isn’t just bringing hope to Israel, but to the whole world. Mary and Joseph have had some amazing experiences in the last 10 months, and this was another to add to the list.

Like Simeon, we’re waiting. Not for Jesus to come the first time, but to come the second. And this time He will wrap up this world and redeem us completely. Waiting can be hard, day after day after day. Life isn’t always easy and the brokenness of our world can be overwhelming. But there will come a day, that will be the day that Jesus returns. And like Simeon, we will be able to say, “my eyes have seen your salvation.”

1. What words or phrases from this story stick out to you? Why?
2. How would you describe your attitudes and actions as you wait for Jesus’ return? Are you like Simeon? How could you wait more faithfully?

Prayer

Talk to God in response to the reading today.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?