Luke 2:22-35
And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 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 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
It is impossible to encounter Jesus and not be changed. Many do not recognize the Holy One. Some ignore Him, some deny Him, some despise or dismiss Him. But … for those who acknowledge Him, believe in Him, and turn to Him … they are forever changed for the better. Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift.
Jesus, You are salvation; You came to save Your people. Thank You for saving me, blessing me, changing me. I ask that You continue to teach me what it means to know You, to know the salvation of the Lord. Help me to acknowledge Your presence in my life daily. I ask that You manifest Your presence in my heart each day, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Delighting in Him …
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