Most of us are familiar with the fun game of \u201cSimon Says.\u201d\u00a0 Far more significant and life-giving is what Simeon says about Jesus in the second chapter of Luke.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter the purification time was complete,<\/em>\u201d 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. \u201cNow there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.\u00a0 This man was righteous and devout and the Holy Spirit was upon Him.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 When the parents brought in the child Jesus, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: \u2018Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation<\/strong>, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation and glory for your people. The child\u2019s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him<\/strong>.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary and Joseph saw Jesus in an entirely new way because of what Simeon said.\u00a0 They were astonished.\u00a0 When was the last time you were astonished by Jesus?\u00a0 Have your eyes seen His salvation?\u00a0 His presence remains just as real today as it was on that day He was presented at the Temple.\u00a0 He brings life just as powerfully today as he did back when Simeon held him close.\u00a0 \u201cJesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.<\/em>\u201d\u00a0 Hebrews 13:8<\/p>\n

We can so easily romanticize the delicate Christmas scenes, religious pageantry and soothing lullaby manger music.\u00a0 The fact is Jesus came to earth to die an agonizing death.\u00a0 \u201cFor the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.<\/em>\u201d\u00a0 Romans 6:22-23\u00a0 Jesus chose to pay sin\u2019s enormous price tag on our behalf so all who believe in Him could be restored to the Father and enjoy eternal life.\u00a0 Jesus chose to pay your sin debt in full because He was dying to have a relationship with you.<\/p>\n

The Savior\u2019s inconceivable love is astounding enough yet it gets even better.\u00a0 Not only is Jesus the ROCK Eternal \u2013 He is the ROCK Now.\u00a0 His free gift to you is eternal life but it doesn\u2019t stop there.\u00a0 \u201cI came that they might have life and have it to the full<\/em>.\u201d\u00a0 John 10:10.\u00a0 In Him, you can experience abundant life now.\u00a0 Could there be a better Christmas gift?<\/p>\n

A few months ago, I saw Pastor Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago perform AWESOME<\/em> which spent 14 weeks on top of the Gospel charts.\u00a0 It\u2019s a beautiful (and be advised\u2026contagious) chorus that proclaims the truth about our awe-inspiring God.<\/p>\n