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When Simeon encountered the Lord Jesus in the Temple, he saw all of the Old Testament prophesies concerning the Messiah wrapped up in the newborn baby. As we have learned from this Advent series, Simeon held in his frail arms the highly expected Comfort for Israel and long-awaited King of the Jewish people. Simeon was aware of these things because he was spiritually in tune with the Sovereign God, Yahweh.

What was so astounding about Simeon’s interaction with Jesus was his foresight into how the life of Christ was going to impact a lost and broken world in desperate need of redemption and reconciliation: “For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32).

Simeon’s aged eyes saw beyond the borders of the Holy Land into the world Yahweh created. Yahweh’s plan from the beginning was to use the infinitesimal nation of Israel as a channel of salvation to the nations. In fact, it was told to Abraham (way back in Genesis 12:3), “and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”

The old man’s declaration in Luke 2:30-32 was a testimony to his passion for reading God’s prophetic Word. The Prophet Isaiah said, “I will make you (Israel) as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isa. 49:6).

Sometimes I’m speechless when I step back and think about the power of Simeon’s words fulfilled today!

Have you ever mulled over the idea that on December 25 we will celebrate the birth of a Jewish boy whom many worshiped as King?

Have you ever pondered the thought that you believe in a Jewish Messiah who ministered, taught, died, and gloriously resurrected 2000 years ago? Have you ever considered whenever you attend church, go to your Bible studies, or have your personal devotions that you use a Bible penned by Jewish people and authored by Yahweh?

Yahweh promised that through the Jewish people all the nations of the world will come to know He is God, and it is only through His Son Jesus that we receive this light!