Christmas Advent Devotional | Day 22
Advent – Day 22
The measure of a fulfilled life. We have come to associate success with everything going well. Yet Christ’s life was a life that achieved complete purpose even though He was opposed, rejected and crushed. Read more as we continue our Advent devotional series from the book of Luke. Remember Advent means “coming,” and we are taking time to reflect on the birth, and second coming of our Lord Jesus in this Christmas season, and its significance to each one of us.
Scripture Reading: Luke 2: 33-35
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.”
Devotional Thoughts
After the mysterious Simeon blesses the Child, he turns to Mary, and predicts three things that Christ’s birth will trigger. First, He will be the cause of the fall and rising of many. Throughout His ministry on earth, Jesus proclaimed that He was the Messiah that was to come, and that the only way to the kingdom was through following Him. Those who accepted and followed Him would receive salvation and would “rise.” Those who did not believe Him, and rejected him, would not experience salvation and would “fall.”
The second thing declared by Simeon was that the Child would be a sign which would be spoken against. Jesus’ ministry was largely opposed, not fitting the image of what the Jews believed the Messiah would be like. His message was rejected by many, He was opposed, He was eventually beaten, crucified and killed. Even today, the message of Christ is still being rejected, which is one of the greatest signs being fulfilled.
Finally, Simeon told Mary, Jesus’ mother, that a sword would pierce through her soul. This foretold the pain and grief she would go through when her son would be crushed, punished and eventually killed. This also happened, truly causing Mary much grief. Yet, this was the reason He was born. To give His very life for all. He achieved His life’s purpose and fulfilled the predictions of Simeon.
Reflection
We have come to associate success with everything going well. Yet Christ’s was a life that achieved complete purpose even though He was opposed, rejected, and crushed. Even our toughest trials have a purpose. Rather than associating those tough phases with failure and doubt, let us keep pressing on, trusting that God will see us through, and that we will emerge not only a better version of ourselves, but fulfilling our purpose in the process.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for this season that I find myself in. Grant me the grace to keep fighting, and to keep pressing on in spite of the challenges. Grant me the wisdom to know that through it all, your purpose is being accomplished in my life. To you be all the glory. Amen.
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Christmas Advent Devotional Day 21
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