Advent - Day 21
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
Luke 2:33-40
We are anticipating the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, our Lord. This is advent. And this year we are following Luke’s gospel as he passes on to us the eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life.
Harmony. Don’t you just love it? I dream of it. A quiet household. A quiet golf course. No drama. Just peace. Maybe that’s what you are dreaming of this Christmas, a harmonious family celebration. No drama.
It’s what most parents dream of in a child. A son or daughter that doesn’t bring complications to their life but just easy, harmonious joy. Well, if that’s what Joseph and Mary were hoping for, Simeon’s words must have been a bit of a downer.
But they are a reminder that God didn’t promise to bring instant peace on earth through His Son. In fact, Jesus will say, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.” (Luke 12:51-52)
Have you experienced this? I have to a certain extent. Jesus hasn’t caused permanent rifts in my family. But He certainly has been the root cause of divisive conversations, disagreements and disappointment.
It seems generally true that before there can be peace there must be war. And this is the time we live in. Satan is not going down without a fight.
But Jesus is promised as the Prince of Peace. Christmas is the promise that one day there will be peace. Outside of Christ there would be and there will be disharmony forever. But in Him, we can be at peace with God and eventually each other.
And our hope allows us to be makers of peace on earth. Just as we have received peace with God through Christ, we want to extend that peace to those around us. This won’t be easy. And the answer isn’t to compromise. But by extending the olive branch of Jesus we pray and hope for greater harmony in the world.
For Today:
Pray:
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
Luke 2:33-40
We are anticipating the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, our Lord. This is advent. And this year we are following Luke’s gospel as he passes on to us the eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life.
Harmony. Don’t you just love it? I dream of it. A quiet household. A quiet golf course. No drama. Just peace. Maybe that’s what you are dreaming of this Christmas, a harmonious family celebration. No drama.
It’s what most parents dream of in a child. A son or daughter that doesn’t bring complications to their life but just easy, harmonious joy. Well, if that’s what Joseph and Mary were hoping for, Simeon’s words must have been a bit of a downer.
But they are a reminder that God didn’t promise to bring instant peace on earth through His Son. In fact, Jesus will say, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.” (Luke 12:51-52)
Have you experienced this? I have to a certain extent. Jesus hasn’t caused permanent rifts in my family. But He certainly has been the root cause of divisive conversations, disagreements and disappointment.
It seems generally true that before there can be peace there must be war. And this is the time we live in. Satan is not going down without a fight.
But Jesus is promised as the Prince of Peace. Christmas is the promise that one day there will be peace. Outside of Christ there would be and there will be disharmony forever. But in Him, we can be at peace with God and eventually each other.
And our hope allows us to be makers of peace on earth. Just as we have received peace with God through Christ, we want to extend that peace to those around us. This won’t be easy. And the answer isn’t to compromise. But by extending the olive branch of Jesus we pray and hope for greater harmony in the world.
For Today:
- Do you dream of harmony in your life?
- Do you feel at peace with God?
- How could you be a peacemaker this Christmas?
Pray:
- Praise the Father that He is always at peace.
- Give thanks for Jesus who is our Prince of Peace.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others rejoice in hope and pursue peace on earth.
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