Advent 2024 Devotion: December 20

Scripture: Luke 2:25-32
²⁵ And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶ 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. ²⁷ So he came by 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, ²⁸ he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
²⁹ “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
³⁰ For my eyes have seen Your salvation
³¹ Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
³² A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”

Devotion: Luke 2:25-32 introduces us to Simeon, a devout and righteous man who eagerly awaited the coming of the Messiah. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Simeon enters the temple at the precise moment Mary and Joseph bring baby Jesus for His dedication. When he sees the child, Simeon knows immediately that he is in the presence of the promised long-awaited Savior. His immediate reaction is to praise God with joy and gratitude. He does not keep this revelation to himself but shares it, glorifying God for His faithfulness.

Simeon demonstrates faith, willingness to yield to the Holy Spirit's prompting, and worship. He spends his life eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Messiah, trusting in God's promise. Are waiting with hope and trust in God's perfect timing for His promises in your life?
Are you yielding to the Holy Spirit's guidance, allowing Him to lead you in your daily walk with the Lord?
Have you recognized that you can only find joy in the salvation provided by Christ Jesus our Savior?

Why are you celebrating this Christmas?
For the gifts?
For the festivities?
Because of tradition?
I pray that you are celebrating because your eyes have seen God's salvation.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Like Simeon, help me to wait patiently and faithfully for Your promises. Guide me by Your Holy Spirit and increasingly fill me with joy as I increasingly devote my life to our Savior. Let me respond with praise and a willingness to share the good news of His birth with those around me. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.