BEHOLD THE CHILD, THE HOLY ONE BORN TO BRING COMFORT AND DELIVERANCE TO GOD’S PEOPLE: THE MESSIANIC HOPE

December 27th, 2023

After the birth of Christ, we hear the testimony of those who awaited His appearance. Can you imagine their response as they saw the Ancient of Days as a humbled babe?!

SCRIPTURE: "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.' 33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, 'Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.'” Luke 2:25-35

Luke 2:25-35 describes in detail an encounter of Simeon; a righteous and devout man meets
up with baby Jesus in the temple. This day, the Holy Spirit has led Simeon to the temple to see
and recognize Messiah (baby Jesus) as the Lord’s salvation, a light for the Gentiles and the glory
of Israel. Christ child now in his arms and Salvation in his view. For Messiah is to bring comfort
and deliverance to His people (the Lord’s doing). Upon seeing the baby and his parents, Mary
and Joseph, Simeon praised God, and blessed the family. The joy that flooded this man’s heart
was great as he had waited to see this day. The Lord was faithful and gracious to him, in that what he lived out his days in waiting for, now has come to pass.

Most importantly, Simeon also prophesied that Jesus would face opposition and that Mary
would suffer sorrow because of Him. His mother Mary may have felt sorrow, fear, and
confusion at the prospect of her son’s suffering and death; however, God’s redemptive plan, beyond Christ's birth, did not include Mary. She remained faithful to her God, as she pondered all the words of Simeon in her heart. Simeon’s prophecy is a summary of the mission and destiny of Jesus, and the joy and pain that he will bring to those who follow Him. His destiny and rule were to be like none other (John 6:1-13). (Luke 2:34c) speaks to the sign that is spoken against Him-thus revealing many hearts. (1) People do not understand that His birth was a miracle. (2) People slandered His birth-(John 8:41) as a miracle done by the power of Satan (Matthew 27:62-66). (3) Christ’s truth and holiness are still denied and blasphemed today by men. Behold, the Lord’s plan cannot be altered or railroaded.

Prayer: Lord God; We who are followers of Your Son do so obediently, because of
the love and honor that’s do Your Holy name. Amen
By Novella D Carpenter