Daily Devotional

-December 25, 2020- Christmas Day-

Good morning, happy Friday, Merry Christmas,

-Simeon Sees God’s Salvation-

“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

‘Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.’”

(Luke 2:25-32).

Today’s text and the entire story of Simeon is found in Luke 2:25-35. It is a wonderful account of this godly man Simeon who was waiting to see the Messiah before he died. In fact, God gave him the promise that it would be the case. He was a believer in the Lord who waited upon Him. He is described as “just and devout, and waiting for the Consolation of Israel. He was not alone, for other godly Jews were waiting as well.

We do not know how old he was, but likely quite old considering what we read of him. He stayed near the temple in Jerusalem waiting to see the Lord’s Christ. Three times in this passage Luke mentions the Holy Spirit: “The Holy Spirit was upon him” (v. 25); “And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (v.26); “So he came by the Spirit into the temple” (v.27).

Simeon believed God and the Holy Spirit was upon him: leading, guiding, and directing his life. The Holy Spirit teaches us the Word of God. We who are living in the church age have the Holy Spirit indwelling us. We have God’s promise that Jesus is coming again to take us home to glory. God always fulfills His promises.

When Jesus’ parents brought him into the temple when he was eight days old to circumcise Him, which was the age mentioned in the Scriptures, Simeon knew right away that He was the Christ. You may ask, how did he know? It was also by the Holy Spirit. He took Jesus into his arms and blessed God for fulfilling His word. He was now ready to die and depart this earthly scene to go to be with the Lord.

Simeon joyfully proclaims in verse 30, “For my eyes have seen Your salvation.” He recognized that this Child was prepared for all peoples, the Gentiles as well as the Jews. Jesus was the long awaited Messiah. For each person on earth, they must see Jesus by faith, believe in Him, and receive Him as Lord and Savior before departing this world. The clock is ticking and the time of death is getting closer. Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation. Don’t leave this world without Him!

May we rejoice this Christmas in the birth of our Savior. Our spiritual eyes have seen the salvation of the Lord. Peter wrote, “Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9). One day soon will see Jesus face to face and be with Him forever.

Have a blessed Christmas Day in the presence of the Lord thanking Him for His birth, His life, His death, His resurrection, and His ascension. Stay safe and healthy.

Dean