A Christmas Prayer

"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 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. 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, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, "Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!" Jesus' parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 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. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul." (Luke 2: 25-35)

I enjoyed digging into Simeon's life and thought his example would be a great way for us to end this year and prepare for an incredible year of ministry ahead. As the story opens, we see Mary and Joseph obeying the Law. The Law said that when a mother gave birth to a male child, that on the 8th day, the child was to be circumcised. On the 40th day after his birth, the parents were to take the child to the Temple and present him to God and offer a sacrifice of consecration with 2 turtle doves or young pigeons.

But Mary and Joseph didn't know that when they arrived at the temple there would be an old man waiting for them. His name is Simeon. He has waited all his life for this moment. Simeon is a part of a group of Hebrew men who were called the "quiet of Israel." They devoted their lives to praying, meditating on God's Word, and to waiting for the coming of the Messiah.

What are you waiting for as you approach a new year? A man was sleeping when his wife shook him, "Wake up, someone is breaking in!" He had gone through this almost every night for 20 yrs, and he knew that the only way he would get any rest was to go and check it out. This time, however, there was a man with a gun who had entered to rob the house.

As the thief was about to flee, "Wait, you have to come with me and meet my wife." The thief said, "Why would you want me to meet your wife?" "Well, she's been expecting you for 20 years."

Well, I would loved to have been in the Temple when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus in to be dedicated. Simeon knew God's promise to him was being unfolded before his very eyes. He had seen salvation with his own eyes. Joseph and Mary were amazed when an old man took their son into his arms and spoke such powerful words. Simeon reminded them that Jesus was indeed a gift from God; the Messiah who would be a light to the world. He told them that God had indeed provided a Savior, but salvation is not automatic. Those with faith and those without faith would be clearly distinguished. He concluded by reminding Mary that she would be grieved by the widespread rejection Jesus would face.

Simeon knew that Jesus was not just going to be the Savior of the remnant - believing Israel. He was going to be the Savior of the world, "a light of revelation to the Gentiles…" - the only way of salvation, the one name whereby a man or a woman comes to God.

He says how every man, woman, boy and girl responds to Jesus will determine his or her fate both now and forevermore. He says, "You reject Jesus and He is appointed for your fall, but you embrace Jesus and you will rise with Him like the dawn. Accept Him and find eternal life; reject Him, and live in death forever.

Remember as you approach 2011 that Jesus is the issue and that you and I are called to tell everyone we meet the good news of the glorious gospel. Like Simeon, let's live each day in obedience so that when the time comes God can use us. Like Simeon, let's never lose our hope that one day we too will see the Messiah!

What a way to go out …….

Dr. Derek