Advent Devotional

Luke 2: 21-33

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are reminded in this passage in Luke of Jesus’ strong Jewish heritage. Eight days after his birth, he was circumcised. After completing the 41-day ritual of purification, his parents presented their firstborn to God at the Temple with a sacrifice of a pair of doves or pigeons. Have you, like me, focused more on shepherds and wise men than on these Jewish traditions in the early days of Jesus’ life?

In the midst of the Jewish ritual of presentation at the Temple, Simeon proclaims that the salvation Jesus brings is for all people. We are reminded by Simeon that Jesus’ light will shine not only for the people of Israel but for everyone. In other words, Jesus will be guided by but will transcend his Jewish heritage in sharing his message to the world. We learn that Jesus’ devout Jewish parents – who were probably still dazed by personal visits from angels and from shepherds who talked about singing angels – were amazed by what Simeon said.

Simeon is described in Luke as a good, God-fearing man. He had been assured by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died. When he saw Jesus at the Temple, he immediately recognized him as the Messiah and gave thanks to God. May we be as faithful and as confident as Simeon that we will readily see Christ in our midst and respond with praise to God.

PRAYER: Dear God, We celebrate with joy the birth of Jesus, the greatest gift we have received. Like Jesus, help us to be guided by our faith to reach out to all people everywhere. Like Mary and Joseph, help us never to cease being amazed by your gracious and abundant love. Like Simeon, help us to recognize Christ among us and to show our gratitude to you. Amen.

Carol Morgan