"Things Fall Apart" by Christie is a song you most likely won't hear blaring from shopping mall public address systems or on every radio station you tune in. It tells the story of a woman who feels jaded about all the manic holiday celebrations. She remembers how Christmas used to be a magical time but it's become one huge bore.
I think it's a shame that the wondrous birth of Christ is blotted out by all the secular celebrations. People get too drunk and talk too loudly, all the while thinking they're having a good time.
Even with Christians, the Christmas Eve service is only for an hour. Then everybody drinks apple cider and talks about everything else but the Messiah.
Most people don't realize that Christ's coming to our world was forecast from the beginning. When God pronounced judgement on Satan in Genesis 3:15 (King James Version), he said, "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."
In order for that to happen, Jesus had to be born. Isaiah 7:14 (KJV) reads, "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." That name means "God with us."
As we read in Luke's gospel, several people actually met the newborn Messiah and knew from God that salvation had come. Simon was one of those fortunate few. Luke 2:28-32 (Bible in Basic English) records, "Then he took him in his arms and gave praise to God and said, 'Now you are letting your servant go in peace, O Lord, as you have said; For my eyes have seen your salvation, Which you have made ready before the face of all nations; A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.'"
Anna was another fortunate person whom God blessed with the realization that the Messiah had come. Luke 2:38 (BBE) tells of her reaction after meeting the Christ child. "And coming up at that time, she gave praise to God, talking of him to all those who were waiting for the freeing of Jerusalem."
May we all do like Anna this year and always.
Great remindersBruce. Blessings to you in the coming year.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bruce, for sharing this beautiful story of the elderly Simeon and Anna, who were both so strong in their faith that God would fulfill his prophecy and bring His Son, Emmanuel, to earth. Such a joyful occasion!
ReplyDeleteThanks for relating the stories of Simeon and Anna who prophesied over Christ. My devotional this morning reminded me that the Holy Spirit who inspired them has been poured out on all believers and to empower us for our life's work.
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