Most of us are familiar with the fun game of “Simon Says.” Far more significant and life-giving is what Simeon says about Jesus in the second chapter of Luke.
“After the purification time was complete,” according to Luke 2:22-35, Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem to present their first-born son to the Lord as was the custom. “Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout and the Holy Spirit was upon Him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. When the parents brought in the child Jesus, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: ‘Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation and glory for your people. The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him.”
Mary and Joseph saw Jesus in an entirely new way because of what Simeon said. They were astonished. When was the last time you were astonished by Jesus? Have your eyes seen His salvation? His presence remains just as real today as it was on that day He was presented at the Temple. He brings life just as powerfully today as he did back when Simeon held him close. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
We can so easily romanticize the delicate Christmas scenes, religious pageantry and soothing lullaby manger music. The fact is Jesus came to earth to die an agonizing death. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:22-23 Jesus chose to pay sin’s enormous price tag on our behalf so all who believe in Him could be restored to the Father and enjoy eternal life. Jesus chose to pay your sin debt in full because He was dying to have a relationship with you.
The Savior’s inconceivable love is astounding enough yet it gets even better. Not only is Jesus the ROCK Eternal – He is the ROCK Now. His free gift to you is eternal life but it doesn’t stop there. “I came that they might have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10. In Him, you can experience abundant life now. Could there be a better Christmas gift?
A few months ago, I saw Pastor Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago perform AWESOME which spent 14 weeks on top of the Gospel charts. It’s a beautiful (and be advised…contagious) chorus that proclaims the truth about our awe-inspiring God.
Like Simeon says, WE HAVE THE SOURCE OF LIFE IN OUR MIDST. Could there be a more compelling reason to be married to amazement ALL of your life? This one and the next?
Create some space so you can be awed to your knees this Christmas. Exit the pace of Christmas for a bit and enter into the peace of Christmas. Commune with the Prince of Peace…focus in on who this God is…and how abounding His love. Get a glimpse of His greatness and glory. Contemplate what it means to live every day in the reality of “God with us.” Matthew 1:23. Invite Jesus to reveal Himself to you in fresh new ways this Christmas. Then get ready to be astonished.
