The Glory Of God In Wisdom And Strength Series

The Glory of God in Strength and Wisdom

December 28, 2025

Dr. Bradford Reaves

Crossway Christian Fellowship

Luke 2:33-40

On Christmas Eve, 1968, the world gathered around their televisions at one of the most turbulent times in American history. The Vietnam War raged. Cities burned from riots. Hearts were heavy with fear and division. But on that night, three astronauts—Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders—became the first human beings to orbit the moon. As their camera panned the surface of that gray, lifeless world, Earth rose in the background like a fragile blue jewel. Half a billion people watched in silence.

Then came something nobody expected. The astronauts opened their broadcast with these words, spoken into the cold emptiness of space: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth…” Genesis… read from lunar orbit… on Christmas Eve.

Anders later said, “We came all this way to discover the moon, and the most important thing we discovered was the earth.” But millions of believers worldwide heard something deeper: the glory of God shining into a weary world, reminding us that the Creator’s wisdom and power hold all things together—even when the world feels like it’s unraveling.

Christmas does that. It breaks into fear with peace, confusion with wisdom, and weakness with divine strength. That is exactly what Luke 2:33–40 shows us today—the glory of God revealed in the strength and wisdom of the Incarnate Christ.

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” 36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. (Luke 2:33–40)

We’ll walk through the text today in two movements:

1. The Destiny of the Child (vv. 33–35)

2. The Development of the Child (vv. 36–40)

And as we do, we’ll see how Christmas announces not just that Jesus came, but why He came—and what He now calls us to see.

I. THE DESTINY OF THE CHILD

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:33–35)

Mary and Joseph stand in the temple holding their infant Son, still marveling at Simeon’s proclamation that this child would be the salvation of the world. But Simeon isn’t finished. He now gives Mary a prophecy that reveals the heart of Christ’s mission—and the cost.

A. Jesus Will Divide Humanity (v. 34)

Simeon declares, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel…” This child is not merely a baby in a blanket; He is the dividing line of every human heart. Some will rise through Him—finding forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. Others will fall—tripped by pride, offended by His authority, stumbling over His claims.

Neutrality is impossible. You cannot meet Jesus and stay unchanged. Christmas brings comfort, yes—but it also demands a verdict.

B. Jesus Will Be Opposed (v. 34b)

Simeon calls Him “a sign that is opposed.” Think about that: the only perfect human being to ever live—the kindest, holiest, most compassionate Man—was opposed, rejected, mocked, beaten, and crucified.

Why? Because His very presence exposes the human heart. He is Light. And light always disturbs darkness.

C. Jesus Will Reveal Hearts (v. 35a)

Simon continues, “…so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

The Incarnate Son is like spiritual X-ray vision. He exposes motives. He reveals truth. He brings what is hidden into the light. You can run from that in fear, prideful protection of the truth, and rebellion of God - or you can run to it, embrace it, and find peace with Him.