Sunday, December 24th
Christmas Eve
Day 28-The Wait is Over
Luke 2:22-40

On the 40th day after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem to present Jesus for the ritual of the Redemption of the Firstborn Son, and for Mary to complete her purification after childbirth. Luke shares that they brought an offering of “a pair of doves or two young pigeons” which was an alternative poor couples could bring if they couldn’t afford to offer a lamb.

While in the temple, Mary and Joseph encounter an elderly man named Simeon who had been waiting his whole life to see the Messiah. Luke shares that Simeon had been moved by the Holy Spirit to the come to the temple this day…

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took Him in his arms… Luke 2:25-28 NIV

As we discovered on day 1 of this devotional, from the end of the Old Testament book of Malachi to the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew was 400 years of silence. There were no prophets called or sent to God’s people. The entire nation had been waiting and longing for God to speak again, and He breaks the silence with a baby’s cry in a manger in Bethlehem.

Simeon takes the baby in his arms, thanks God that the wait is over, and has a special, if not disturbing, message for the young couple…

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Mary and Joseph, who thought they would live quiet lives together, have experienced one incredible sight after another after the visits from the angel. This encounter with Simeon was no exception. Luke records their reaction…
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about Him. Luke 2:33 NIV

Prayer Emphasis: Thank God that He answers prayers and that He is always working, even in the silence.

For Family Discussion…
For what have been waiting a long time? Are you still waiting or have you given up hope? How does the Christmas story encourage you to never give up hope?

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