Christmas | The Supporting Cast

Part 2: Simeon: Will you see Jesus this Christmas?

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Summary

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas - the decorations, presents, carols and more. Sometimes the trappings of Christmas can become the focus for us. This year, let’s prioritize the CHRIST of CHRISTmas. When Jesus first came into the world, there was a man named Simeon who saw Him. Even though there were thousands of people at the Temple that day, Simeon saw Jesus, the Savior of the world, and worshipped Him. May this Christmas we behold the One who gave His life for us and may we worship Him. May this Christmas be about Jesus.

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Who’s in Your Nativity Scene?

Around this time of year, we all dig through storage to bring out our Christmas decorations. Lights, ornaments, inflatables, stockings, garlands… and, often, a nativity scene. The word nativity means the occasion of someone’s birth, and that’s exactly what these collections of figurines portray: the humble birth of our Lord Jesus. It’s this decoration which most clearly points to our true cause for celebration during the holiday season. Even if you don’t have a nativity scene to display as you “deck the halls'' this Christmas, pay close attention to where your eyes tend to gaze as we observe Advent. In our world it can be easy to become focused more on the cultural aspects of Christmas than on the gift of Jesus Christ. Consumerism, folk lore, and the desire for worldly (rather than Godly) peace take center stage. If we’re not careful, these treasured weeks will pass us by and we will be left with nothing to show for them but credit card debt, a few extra pounds, and a feeling of emptiness. 

When we take the wonderful news of the birth of our Savior for what it truly means, it brings everlasting joy. Nothing and nobody needs to be added to the picture of Jesus’ birth to make our Christmas a joyous one. But, in fact, in this case “less” is more: adding feel-good distractions just serves to divert our attention from our true hope. We must clear space in our hearts to really experience Jesus. The holidays can bring us temporary happiness, but only Christmas and a focus on Jesus can be truly transformational. 

Jesus Presented in the Temple 

In Luke 2:22-24, we hear about the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Following the law laid out in Leviticus 12, Mary and Joseph came to undergo the purification rites which followed the birth of a child. For a woman to become ceremonially clean, she would have to wait a number of weeks after the birth of her child and then bring a one-year-old lamb to be sacrificed as a burnt offering in the Temple. But as Luke 2:24 states, Mary brought “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” This was because of a special provision given in Leviticus 12:8: “But if she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.” These details were not included in the Gospel of Luke without purpose!

We can gather from these three verses in Luke that Joseph and Mary were wholly committed to the Law of God. We can also see that they were poor. This may come as no surprise because Jesus was born in a stable (which likely was in the form of a cave). But it’s important to remember that Emmanuel – God with us – came into the world not with a wealthy family, but a poor one. Although they lacked money and power, the Holy Couple displayed obedience to the Law of God!

Simeon Sees God’s Salvation for Us

It’s unlikely your nativity scene includes a man named Simeon. After all, he appears in the Gospel of Luke over a month after the actual birth of Jesus. However, Simeon’s encounter with His savior, then still a baby, reveals plenty about who God is. The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon, who was a devout and righteous man, that he would not die until he would see the Lord’s Messiah. Sure enough, Simeon saw and held baby Jesus in the temple courts! We see prophecy fulfilled as Simeon praised God. And then he said to Mary, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against.” And Simeon was right: the people of Israel responded to Jesus in myriad ways. This remains true today. How you respond to Jesus will either be your greatest joy and total salvation, or your absolute doom on the day of reckoning. 

The name Simeon means, essentially, “one who listens to God in obedience.” Simeon listened to the Holy Spirit and was moved to the temple courts where he indeed saw the Savior. Will you see the Savior Jesus Christ this Christmas season? If it’s a struggle, clear away the clutter. Try to get the stories and folklores and songs out of the way, and invite Him to fill the space in your mind and heart. 

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