Do you look forward to Christmas? Kids love Christmas, because they know many wonderful things happen at Christmas. They will have lots of fun, parties and gifts.
We all look forward to Christmas for many different reasons. Some for the bargains you’ll at Christmas sale; others will take it as a good break from work.
What are you looking for this Christmas? Are you longing for anything special to happen?
There was a man – Simeon, a just and devout man with the gift of prophecy. Verse 25 “He was waiting for the consolation of Israel.”
Today we need to return to the perspective of this man Simeon. He was a just and devout Israelite, endowed with the gift of prophecy. He was waiting for the first Christmas to come – v.25 “He was waiting for the consolation of Israel…”
What is that consolation? Verse 26 “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” Simeon was actually waiting for someone – He was waiting for the arrival of Jesus Christ, for He will be the consolation for Israel.
(1) YOUR CONSOLATION HAS COME!
The people of Israel have turned their back on God. They were living in bondage to sin. They were oppressed under the Roman rule. For the righteous and devout man like Simeon, his only hope is to see the Messiah – the One who would save his people.
And God comforted him, revealing to him that he will not die until he sees Him. Isn’t God gracious? God wanted him to see… and so in verse 27 “Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.” – at the same time when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple to be consecrated.
And he was overjoyed. I think we can sense his joy, vv.28ff. “Simeon took him in his arms and praised God…” This song or poem is now being called "Nunc Dimittis" and is often used in funerals, even today.
Simeon was so satisfied at seeing Jesus that he said, “…You now dismiss your servant in peace.” (v.29), in order words, “I can die in peace now… Lord, you can let me die now!”
In fact, Joseph and Mary were surprised by this spontaneous outburst of joy.
What did he sing about? “30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
All those in the Temple were introduced to this Child by his song - Jesus is the Saviour they were all waiting for. It was a message of joy and hope. Yet this message has a serious tone to it, because Simeon when on to bless the parents and then said to Mary - this child of yours will cause many people in Israel to fall and others to stand. The child will be like a warning sign. Many will reject him, and you Mary, will suffer as though you had been stabbed by a dagger."
Yes, she will grieve because the Child will be sacrificed. For this Child was born to die for the sin of the world. As you know, it was Mary who stayed with Jesus at the foot of the cross.
(Traditionally it was believed that Joseph had already died when Jesus entered the ministry.)
That’s the way Christmas is. Christmas is wonderful. Peace on earth. Good will toward men.
A baby - presents - angelic choir singing - light - hope... BUT the shadow of the cross is cast on Jesus even as a baby. You can’t get away from it.
Bro & Sis, that’s the message of Christmas! Our consolation has come! He is Jesus Christ.
What are you looking for at Christmas? You need Jesus.
Are you struggling in loneliness? Is your life empty and meaningless? Do you feel insecure?
He’s your consolation. Look to Him and you’ll be fully satisfied; so satisfied that you’d be willing to leave this world.
Christmas did not just affect Simeon. It must affect you. For we are the "Gentiles" that Jesus died for. He did not just satisfy Simeon… He satisfies the whole humanity.
Are you waiting for the turn-around in the economy? Are you waiting for the next pay raise?
Don’t wait. Your consolation has already come. He is Christ the Lord. With Him, you’ll have all that you need. Don’t fill the emptiness in your heart with the things of this world. Fill it with Jesus. HE IS YOUR COMFORT.
If you’re seeking for comfort today, come back to Jesus. If you’re looking for satisfaction, come to Jesus. No wonder Jesus says, “Everyone who drinks this water (of the world) will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.” (John 4:13-14a)
For Simeon, there is no more waiting. All that he lives for, he has received. God has fulfilled the longing of his heart. Today, when you come to know Jesus, frankly, there is nothing more you really lack. He is all that we need. All that we’re seeking after today, they are just secondary, insignificant stuff. What we need most can be found in Jesus.
(2) YOU HAVE ALL THAT YOU NEED FOR LIFE
Consider this: What it is that you really want out of life? What is it that will allow you to stand at death’s doors - not only fearless but also fulfilled? If you were to die this afternoon would you die content?
Simeon, the "righteous and devout" waited for the coming of the Messiah... He is not satisfied until he sees Him. Today, we are waiting for His second coming. He said He would come. And it will be soon. Do I share the same urgency and longing as Simeon? Are we bothered that He should come at all?
Be smart. Adjust your lifestyle in anticipation of the future. We don’t live for the here and now but we live our lives with the awareness of the future - in light of the hope of Christ’s coming. Ask yourself today: If I know that He is coming, how does that affect my life now - where will I invest my time? My money? My energy?
Dear friends, you have to acknowledge the Christmas baby - not only as God’s gift to the world, but to you personally. He came for you. He died, buried and rose again for you. We are saved. We have everything we need because of Him.
Take it all personally. Simeon did. Once you have the Son, you have all you need in life.
Whoever Takes the Son
Many years ago, there was a very wealthy man who shared a passion for art collecting with his son. They had priceless works adorning the walls of their family estate.
One day, the nation was at war and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His son had died. Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with sadness. The joy of the season had vanished with the death of his son.
On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. He opened the door and a soldier, with a large package in his hands greeted him, “I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you.”
The soldier mentioned that he was an artist and then gave the old man the package. It was a portrait of the man’s son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man’s face in striking detail. Overcome with emotion, the man hung the portrait over the fireplace, pushing aside millions of dollars worth of art.
His task completed, the old man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given. The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces of art for which museums around the world clamoured.
Half a year later, the old man died. The art world waited with anticipation for the upcoming auction. According to the will of the old man, all the art works would be auctioned on Christmas Day, the day he had received the greatest gift.
The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled that day.
The auction began with a painting that was not on anyone’s museum list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid, but the room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $100?” No one spoke. Finally someone said, “Who cares about that painting. It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s move on to the good stuff.”
The auctioneer responded, “No, we have to sell this one first. Now, who will take the son?” Finally, a neighbour of the old man offered $50 dollars. “That’s all I have. I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it.”
The auctioneer said, “Going once, going twice…gone.” The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, “Now we can bid on the real treasures!”
The auctioneer looked at the room filled with people and announced that the auction was over. Everyone was stunned. Someone spoke up and said, “What do you mean, it’s over? We didn’t come here for a painting of someone’s son. There are millions of dollars worth of art here! What’s going on?”
The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the Father, whoever takes the son…gets it all.”
The message is the same this Christmas. Because of the Father’s love…whoever takes the Son gets it all. Will you take Him this Christmas?
Let’s pray:
Lord, we want to be like Simeon - content in You, fulfilled in knowing You. We confess that we have been out seeking fulfilment elsewhere -- in our jobs, friends, families and pleasures. We confess that we have been less than faithful with the knowledge of Christmas. Forgive us and restore us to a close and personal walk with you. Lord, just as the Holy Spirit rested on Simeon in a special way, let us by Your grace share in that same experience. Let us look with anticipation Your return. Help us change the way we do business and live our lives. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.
SONG: I’d Rather Have Jesus (Youth Hymn 120)
