December 24, 2010 – Christmas Eve: Fulfillment
Scripture: Luke 2: 25-32
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“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.”
Devotion:
Do you still anticipate Christmas? I just saw a picture on Facebook of a friend’s grand-daughter who is so excited that she got up early TODAY. But what happens when the waiting becomes to long. Simeon and Anna, and in fact all of Israel, had waited a long time – nearly a whole lifetime (and I get antsy about waiting on God’s promises for just one day!).
Jesus is the Fulfillment of all of God’s promises. Every gift I have written about is found most fully in the person Jesus and in His being our Savior, King, and Priest. Most of the Christmas movies point to some part of our lives where we are missing something – a “God-shaped hole” I have heard it called. Jesus fills that need (and most of the movies don’t tell you that).
Yes, I still anticipate Christmas – it reminds of the One who came and is coming again. He will fulfill all His promises.
What are you anticipating or waiting for this Christmas? Will you find it?
Father, the time is coming very soon for Christmas Day. We celebrate the coming of Your Son and we wait with anxious hearts for Him to come again. I pray that everyone can know the fulfillment that Jesus brings. In the Name of the Messiah, Jesus. Amen.
