“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.”  Luke 2:34-35

Luke describes the elderly Simeon as a righteous and devout man… and patient.  He waited for a long time for the coming Messiah whom the Spirit had promised he would see before he died.  When that moment arrived, it must have been an adrenalin rush for Simeon, tingling with excitement as he held in his arms the One who was the consolation of Israel and the salvation of the world.

Luke records not only the joy of this moment but the sober reality that this child would be the focus of relentless hostility.   Simeon knew that this Jesus, God become man, would not only renew the hearts of many, but would also stand as a great offense to many whose hearts would be exposed.

Christmas forces us to look beyond the superficial trimmings and traditions to the heart of the matter – what will you do with Jesus?  The One we worship as the Prince of Peace is also the focal point of division and opposition.  Remove Jesus from the equation and the conflict is resolved.  No other man in history stirs such emotional response as Jesus, the Light of the world.  Jesus is the problem – He is a threat to our illusions of being in control of our lives and destinies.  He exposes our futile attempts to earn God’s favor.  Jesus is a nuisance to those who do not want to bend the knee, but a sweet fragrance to those who seek the Savior.  We cannot avoid the question: What will you do with Jesus?

FANNING THE FLAME

If you are using the Advent Wreath in preparation for Christmas, next Sunday you will light the fourth candle, the candle of Peace, and read Isaiah 9:6-7.  It would be a good time to talk with the children about the significance of the names listed for the Messiah in this passage, the One whose coming we celebrate with joy.  He is a threat only to those who reject Him – but to us who receive Him, He is Wonder Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!

GRANDPAUSE:  “Love was when God became a man, Locked in time and space, without rank or place…To reach and love one such as I.”  — lyrics by John E. Walvoord, “Love Was When”