ADVENT WEEK 3  ~ HOPE, PEACE, JOY

Luke 2:28-32   "Simeon took him [Jesus] in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." FROM WAITING ~ TO FULFILLMENT What God promises, He does in His own timing.  What is interesting though, is Simeon's reaction to this kept promise.  When he is aware that God is faithful and will deliver on his promises, he resigns himself to dying.  The key is the word peace.  We are presented a connection between Jesus' life and our dying, bridged in peace. We've passed through the season of waiting and found ourselves in the season of fulfillment.  This is the story of Simeon.  Having waited for many, many long years for the fulfillment of his hopes, he held G-d in his hands.  G-d who created the whole world; he touched.  In a very real way, he held the whole world in his hands. How poor and pale does this world look to one that has Christ in his arms, and salvation in his view!  See here, how comfortable is the death of a good man; he departs in peace with God, peace with his own conscience, in peace with death. Simeon may now depart in peace. His eyes have beheld the Christ child; the one who was promised.  We get a sense that this is a brief exchange between Christ, Simeon and those present.  Not to be glossed over too quickly though.  Years of waiting are realized in this small moment, but it is a moment charged with sacred depth and timelessness. WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH JESUS Romans 5:1-2  "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." Simeon recognizes that this "light" will be made known to both Israel AND the Gentiles (nations).  That is to say again, Christ came for ALL.  The heart of their worship will be centered on this glory ~ Jesus.  Their glory will no longer be veiled in the Law of Moses, in temples, sacrifices, and symbols but will be made known through this baby's life, death, burial, and resurrection. Lord, hear my prayer ... Lord God of all nations, not only do I pray for peace on our earth, but I pray that the knowledge of Jesus may be spread to every nation this coming year.  Please make me sensitive to those around me who need your grace and give me courage and the right words to say.  Please stir me to be generous with those who are spreading your Gospel throughout the world.  Please bind the work of satan to keep nations in darkness and away from grace.  Make your Kingdom triumph through the growth of your word throughout the world. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit I pray. ~ Amen. Traditions From Around The World ROMANIA The tradition in Romania is for children to travel from house to house singing carols and reciting poetry and legends throughout the Christmas season. The leader carries a large wooden star called a steaua, which is covered with shiny paper and decorated with bells and colored ribbon. A picture of the Holy Family is pasted in the star's center, and the entire creation is attached to a broomstick or stout pole.

 

 

 

 

 

Website created by Sherry Perkins www.mywebwelder.com All rights reserved Best viewed on Internet Explorer 1024 x 768 full screen Psalm 19:14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

__________