At Christmas Time

"For my eyes have seen your salvation ."

~ Luke 2:30~

How wonderful it is to receive something you've always wanted. At Christmastime, we wait in anticipation of the gifts we've revealed we want to receive. As we open our presents we are elated to find the desires of our heart laying in our hands. It's a magnificent feeling to know that those who love us most, have taken the time to give us what we really want.

Simeon was a rigtheous and devout man and had waited many years for the consolation of Israel. His heart's desire was to see the Christ. At times, I'm sure he wondered if He would ever come, but Simeon's faith in God was strong and he knew the Lord would keep His promise to send the Messiah. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ.

Mary and Joseph had brought Jesus to the temple to be consecrated to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice as was the custom. Prompted by the Spirit of God, Simeon went to the temple and there he found the Messiah. Upon seeing Jesus, he took Him in his arms and praised God.

For Simeon. Jesus was not a gift to be unwrapped. He was the fullfilment of a promise to be cherished. Imagine Simeon's joy at finally getting to embrace God's salvation. Jesus was the gift Simeon desired and he embaraced Him immediately.

How full is your joy? As you unwrap gifts this Christmas, remember to wrap your arms around God's gift of salvation --Jesus!

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