I hope you had a meaningful Christmas celebrating “Emmanuel, God with us”. (Isaiah 7:14) The miracle of the eternal Son of God, Jesus, confining and limiting Himself to a human body for 33 years never ceases to fill me with wonder and amazement. (Philippians 2:6-11) And then to take it a marvelous step further Paul says, “Christ in us the hope of glory”. (Col.1:27) This new life that we have in Christ never grows old. I know the Christmas holidays can be difficult for those who have lost loved ones. Where families are divided and separated for whatever reason there is sadness. Jesus is presented in the Temple in Luke 2:22-40. There is a wonderful description of Simeon’s walk with God which was filled with Holy Spirit empowered devotion. Simeon is praying for the “consolation” of Israel. He wanted Israel to be restored to the glory of Solomon’s era. He wanted the Romans removed from their land. Israel had experienced much of God’s hand of discipline in their history due to their sinful idolatry. At times Israel had repented but for the most part they had continued in their sin. “Consolation” refers to God’s comforting Presence. It says in verse 25 that “the Holy Spirit was on him”. It says in verse 26 that the “Holy Spirit had revealed to him that Simeon would see the Messiah”. It says in verse 27 that Simeon was “moved by the Holy Spirit”. Finally we find Simeon taking the infant Jesus in his arms and praising God. (v.28) Simeon was comforted, guided, consoled and encouraged by the Holy Spirit. We need this empowering from Holy Spirit hour by hour and day by day. (John 14,15,16) We all have challenges in our lives and families. Our turbulent world never ceases to be disturbing. But the New Testament tells us that “the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is inside of us.” (Romans 8:11) Friends, we have everything we need by the Presence of the Holy Spirit that dwells inside of us. Renew your mind daily as you read God’s Word. Refresh your heart daily as you pray and worship. Come to church on New Year’s Day and hear more about Simeon and Anna in Luke 2.
God Bless You
Pastor Drew