TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel.” Luke 2:34a
Listen: Luke 2
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Simeon gives praise to God for the tiny son of Mary and Joseph. He blesses them and declares Jesus to be God’s gift to all people—the Messiah who is a light to the whole world. He also delivers a message of disruption and sorrow to Mary. Her son will be the greatest joy to many, but the undoing of others who will reject him. The light he shines will both demand a decision and bring a paradox. When faced with their sin, the arrogant and proud will fall. The humble and meek will rise.
This baby boy is God’s greatest gift to all people, both Jews and Gentiles. Just as God gives Jesus as a light to all, Jesus gives himself as the only sacrifice for a sinful world in need of a Savior. People must either totally accept the gift or reject it. Those who choose to accept can say, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Jesus is indeed the gift that keeps on giving.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As you fill in your Focus For This Season journal responses, pay close attention to the statement, “Today I feel…” Then pray something like this, “Thank you for being the God who gives and gives and gives. Today I feel ____________. Fill me today with ____________. Thank you for the gift of Jesus who lives in me and through me.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
