BELIEVING IN THE GIFT
Simeon's only desire in life was to look upon the face of the messiah. Many years had passed and he was old and ready to die, but God had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. Even though the dark shadow of death had crept toward him, he believed without doubt in the promise of God.
One day while in the temple he met Mary and Joseph. Simeon took the baby in his arms and full of joy, he praised God. "Now I can die in peace," he cried out, "for my eyes have seen Your salvation, 0 Lord."
Simeon knew that this beautiful light that descended from heaven would beam down, not only upon Israel, but upon all nations.
He professed that many would come to love the child and would receive happiness through Him, but there would be many others who would not believe in the divinity of Jesus. The birth of the holy child would cause some to fall and others to rise.
Simeon professed many things as his aged eyes saw far into the future. He knew that Mary's joy was greater than anyone's joy, but in time, her sorrow would be more painful than a sword piercing the heart.
When Simeon fell silent, another voice was raised. The new speaker was an old, gray woman, the prophetess Anna. She was an 84-year-old widow who spent everyday in the temple.
Simeon knew that this beautiful light that descended from heaven would beam down, not only upon Israel, but upon all nations.
He professed that many would come to love the child and would receive happiness through Him, but there would be many others who would not believe in the divinity of Jesus. The birth of the holy child would cause some to fall and others to rise.
Simeon professed many things as his aged eyes saw far into the future. He knew that Mary's joy was greater than anyone's joy, but in time, her sorrow would be more painful than a sword piercing the heart.
When Simeon fell silent, another voice was raised. The new speaker was an old, gray woman, the prophetess Anna. She was an 84-year-old widow who spent everyday in the temple.
Anna came to stand by the baby Jesus and like Simeon, she saw much more than a child six weeks old. She saw Jesus as the Son of God and professed His glory. God had laid His son in the arms of His mother and for the sake of mankind.
This Christmas may we believe without doubt in the gift that was given.
Linda Sumner Urza, written for: onefineday11.blogspot.com
