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Luke 2:25 (ESV): 25 "Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel…."
I am a lifelong Lions fan. Like many of you, we have been waiting to see our team in the playoffs again. The last time we accomplished that feat was 1993. Jurassic Park was number one in theaters. Gas was at $1.16, and Beanie Babies were at the top of everyone’s Christmas list.
The longest streak in professional football has come to an end. Seemingly out of nowhere, here we are. NFC Central Division Champions. There is joy in the Motor City!
The same can be said for, “Your people Israel” some 2,000 years ago. Seemingly out of nowhere, the presence of God is once again with Your people as it was with Moses’ Tabernacle and Solomon’s Temple. For 400 years God’s presence and voice have been absent. Now His voice is heard once again in the Temple. The Holy Spirit, in the voice of Simeon, makes the proclamation of Your return and God’s presence is manifested in the infant Jesus. Anna, the prophetess spreads the word. God, our redeemer, and our salvation, is with His people once again.
And so, here we are Bereans. Not quite a week has passed since we celebrated the birth of our redeemer; our salvation. Let’s all be like Simeon and Anna as we return to everyday life and all of the distractions that assail us as we head to a new year. Let’s dedicate ourselves to hold on to the wonder and joy of the miracle of The Word made flesh as we bring the hope of His gospel to those who are hopeless.
Happy New Year
Pastor Terry B.
