Pause for Thought for Advent

ADVENT ONE

THEME: PEOPLE

We start Advent One with the theme of ‘People’, who were the key players; what can we learn and ponder in our hearts as we journey towards Christmas?

ADVENT ONE – DAY ONE

Theme: People – Simeon

Simeon’s Story ...

We move just a little ahead of our Christmas story, to a short time after the birth of Jesus; when Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to be circumcised which was the custom of the day. 

In Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was a good and godly man. He was waiting for God’s promise to Israel to happen. The Holy Spirit was with him. ²⁶ The Spirit had told Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. ²⁷ The Spirit led him into the temple courtyard.

Then Jesus’ parents brought the child in. They came to do for him what the Law required.

²⁸ Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said:

²⁹ “Lord, you are the King over all.
    Now let me, your servant, go in peace.
    That is what you promised.
³⁰ My eyes have seen your salvation.
³¹     You have prepared it in the sight of all people.
³² It is a light to be given to those who aren’t Jews.
    It will bring glory to your people Israel.”

³³ The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him. ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them. He said to Mary, Jesus’ mother, “This child is going to cause many people in Israel to fall and to rise. God has sent him. But many will speak against him. ³⁵ The thoughts of many hearts will be known. A sword will wound your own soul too.”

Bible Reference: Luke Chapter: 2: 27-35

Pause for thought

Simeon was faithful, waiting patiently for God to keep His promise, that he would see the Christ Child with his own eyes; before he died. His blessing and message to Mary and Joseph, was a foretelling of the sacrifices to come. 

Sometimes in life, we also wait, for promises to be fulfilled; in our prayers, petitions and requests. But, what we should always know is, that God will fulfil his promises to us, not in our time, but in His.

What can Simeon’s simple story, teach you?

Meditation

The message of Simeon, is known as the ‘Nunc Dimmitus’; and is frequently sung in Churches. Listen to this podcast of it being sung.  As you listen; pause and reflect on God’s timely promises in your life – how servant minded are you, as we approach Christmas?

Click the link below to play podcast

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNf67ZGT8Jc