Read: Luke 2:36-38
We felt as if our Christmas was being canceled last year. Actually, our flight to see family in Missouri was canceled due to snow. Its been our tradition for quite a few years to celebrate Christmas with them, so we were greatly disappointed when we only got as far as Minnesota and had to return home to Michigan.
On Sunday, in a message we would have missed, our pastor spoke about expectations for Christmas. He caught my attention when he said, If our expectations for Christmas are gifts and time with family, we have set our expectations too low. Those are enjoyable and things were thankful for, but Christmas is the celebration of the coming of Christ and His redemption.
Simeon and Anna celebrated the coming of Jesus and His salvation when Joseph and Mary brought Him to the temple as a baby (Luke 2:25-38). Simeon, a man who was told by the Spirit that he would not die before he saw the Messiah, declared: My eyes have seen Your salvation (v.30). When Anna, a widow who served God, saw Jesus, she spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem (v.38).
We may experience disappointments or heartache during the Christmas season, but Jesus and His salvation always give us reason to celebrate.
Good evening, Mayor, and a Blessed Lord’s Day to you and yours.
Thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.
"Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." -from THE BIBLE: John 4:21-24