Neville Turley

Lord, you are my God; I will honour you and praise your name.  You have done amazing things; you have faithfully carried out the plans you made long ago. Isaiah 25:1 (GNT)

Blessed with hindsight, we can look back to when Christ was born and echo the words of Isaiah 25:1.

God’s plan for the restoration of the creation through the promised Christ was coming to fruition. (Genesis 3:15)  A new era was dawning.  Heaven and earth resounded with joy and delight when Christ was born.  Ahead for the baby Jesus loomed his mission and the shadow of the cross, as foretold by the prophets but his birth was a time for celebration.

Joseph and Mary took the baby Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to God as Jewish law demanded. (Exodus 13:2)  There at the temple they were met by a devout God-fearing man, named Simeon, who had been assured by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the promised Messiah.  All his long life he had waited for that promise to be fulfilled.  When Jesus parents carried him into the temple, Simeon, led by the Spirit took Jesus into his arms and gave thanks to God.  “Now, Lord, you have kept your promise, and you may let your servant go in peace. With my own eyes I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: A light to reveal your will to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)

Meeting the Messiah was the highlight of Simeon’s life.  His long wait was over and he was at peace.

Meeting Jesus is the highlight of any person’s life.  It is a time of decision.  If Jesus calls you, and you led by the Holy Spirit, to respond to Him, he will save you, and you will have peace in your soul.  That is the reason why believers celebrate Christmas with such joy.

Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for your word.  I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide me in applying the teachings of your word to my life so that I may glorify you through the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen