“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 ….”
(Luke 2:25-28 ESV)
How wonderful to have a promise from God that you would live to see His Son Jesus born into the world—the Savior that you’d been expecting all your life! How amazing to be able to hold Jesus in your arms—to carry the One who made heaven and earth, and you yourself as well! No wonder Simeon was overwhelmed.
Like Simeon, we too have wonderful promises to look forward to. See what Jesus has said to us! He says, “I am the Bread of Life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35b ESV). Or “Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out” (John 6:37b ESV). Or “I am the Good Shepherd. I know My own and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. … I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:14-15, 28 ESV). And finally, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25b ESV).
We Pray: Lord Jesus, let me trust Your promises with all my heart. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* How trustworthy is Jesus?
* Which of His many promises means the most to you?
* Why?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on December 29, 2024
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights