Joy To Your World - Children's Advent DevotionalSample

The Bible says there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. He was probably an elderly man. He might have been a priest serving in the temple the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus there. Scripture points out that Simeon was a righteous and devout man. He was devoted to having a “right” relationship with God.

We also know that the Holy Spirit had told Simeon he would not die before he saw “the consolation of Israel,” another name for “the Lord’s Christ.” Then, one day, Mary and Joseph arrived with a small baby at the temple.

The Bible says, “When the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God” (Luke 2:27–28). Simeon held his Messiah, the one he had been looking for, in his arms that day. He praised God, saying, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:29–32).

Simeon’s words were filled with new meaning to the people who were listening. The Jewish people considered themselves “God’s chosen people.” The prophet Isaiah had promised them a Messiah who would bring comfort or consolation. But Simeon held up Jesus and said that he had been born for the Gentiles too. Jesus was born for the salvation of all people.

Christians today have the same comfort and joy Simeon was given that day he held the baby Jesus. Christmas is our reminder that God has given His salvation to all who will receive the gift of His Son.

Imagine how joyful Simeon felt when he held the Messiah he had been waiting so long to see. We don’t have to wait to meet our Messiah because Jesus has already come to give us salvation. Have you come to Jesus? If so, thank Him for being your Messiah.