Luke chapter 2 v25-32:

Thursday December 24th.  Read Luke chapter 2 v25-32:

Let us jump ahead a little. Mary and Joseph, as all faithful Jewish parents would do, in accordance with the OT Law in Leviticus ch 12, bring the child to Jerusalem to present Him in the temple, and offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Their sacrifice of turtledoves identifies them as poorly off ( Leviticus 12 v 8.) unable to afford a lamb – yet the child they bring is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world” – ( John 1 v29.)

In the temple is a devout old man, Simeon, a true believer, longing to see the blessing God has promised to send to Israel. The Holy Spirit has told him he will not die until he has indeed seen the fulfillment of that promise – the Christ of God. As soon as he sees Jesus with His parents ( Joseph is spoken of in this way, in his responsibility for Mary and her child ) he knows this child is the One promised. He says he can die in peace now, for he has seen the ” salvation God has prepared “, and in a God-given awareness he sees that this salvation, this light of revelation, is not only for the Jews, but for Gentiles too. So it is declared that the Saviour born as Mary’s Son, Who is truly God’s Son , is indeed the Saviour of the world!  May we truly be trusting in him, and know the full joy of this wonderful Christmas message.