Advent Devotional | Christmas

“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.” Luke 2:29-32

Luke 2:21-35

Every Advent, prior to reading the Christmas narratives, I recall the story of the presentation of the baby Jesus at the Temple and its impact on an old man called Simeon. I do this, because the story of Simeon and the consecration of the baby Jesus, was the fulfillment of the biblical mandate (Exodus 13:2) and gives the Christmas story a greater depth of meaning.

Simeon was known as a person who probably belonged to ‘The Quiet in the Land’, a group of Jewish believers who prayed constantly for the salvation of Israel and the arrival of the Messiah. He was someone who waited for the “consolation of Israel” and was a man of prayer who was “full of the Holy Spirit”. This singular moment, just days after Jesus’ birth, was therefore the most emotional, poignant and prophetic event in Simeon’s life. By holding Jesus in his arms, he knew that God had answered his prayers. His view of life and death, the fulfillment of the covenant with Israel, and the future of humanity, was changed. So profound was this belief, he saw that his life’s mission was complete, and he said, “now your servant can depart in peace.” What a momentous phrase of hope this is! Simeon knew that the world was now fully in God’s hands. No more pleading, no more prayer of supplication, no more fear for the future. In his arms, God was present. He summed it up in what has been known since the 4th century A.D. as the Nunc dimittis, a song of joy and hope where he says, “mine eyes have seen your salvation.” He saw that the world would be changed forever.

When I look back at the Christmas story through the eyes of Simeon, I see the relevance of Christ’s birth for all ages. These past 2 years have been earth shaking because humanity has been beset by a myriad of challenges. From the devastation of Covid-19 to the dramatic impact of climate change and the discoveries of profound injustices in our land, people desperately seek a message of hope. More than ever, we need to see that the earth is in God’s hands through the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. In our struggles, we are not alone. Therefore, this Advent, like Simeon, let hope rejoice!

Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling
Senior Minister, Timothy Eaton
Memorial United Church

Prayer

Lord, there are times in my life when I don’t have a clear understanding of things happening around me. I look to you to find peace, hope and fulfillment in your Word. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13

Application

Are there times in your life when you feel God’s silence more than His presence? With a prayerful spirit, commit yourself to look for His invisible, transformational work. Thank Him for everything, even for the deepest desires that you have been waiting to come to fruition; in His time, everything shall be fulfilled.