The First Sunday of Advent (GA)

Luke 2:22-35

²² And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord ²³ (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) ²⁴ and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” ²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶ And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. ²⁷ And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, ²⁸ he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

²⁹    “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,

according to your word;

³⁰    for my eyes have seen your salvation

³¹        that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

³²    a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and for glory to your people Israel.”

³³ And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. ³⁴ And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed ³⁵ (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

“This child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel.” This child will cause people to stumble and fall. This child will condemn people to eternal damnation and Hell. This child will also redeem the lost children of Israel. This child will become a blessing to all nations. The Christ child should be honored and praised. This is the Savior of the Nations.

Simeon is a very interesting character. He has a strong faith and trust in the word of God. He has been revealed personal things, with regarding to the coming of the Christ. He is moved from one location to another location by the power of Holy Spirit. Every time I read this I wonder how the spirit is revealing things to me, and how the Holy Spirit is moving me to be certain places.

Then I know that it is this Child. God keeps calling me to look at this child. The Spirit moves me to look to the Word of God for strength and truth. If you really want to understand what God has in store for your life listen to the words of Scripture. Don’t listen to my words, or other devotionals words, but God’s Word.

Simeon reminds us that he has seen his redeemer. He will see this redeemer again in the flesh. This child is going to judge the living and the dead. This child is going to die for the sins of the World. He is going to remove the curse as far as it is found. This is the joy that allows Simeon to rest in peace and joy. Let us all depart in this same peace and joy.