Christian Living Today

How important was the salvation which Christ brought? Of vital importance. Most Christians would not deny this fact. However, since we live this side of the cross, it is often hard to understand the ignorance shown by those who failed to recognize our Lord at His appearing.

One man, however, recognized not only our Lord’s coming, but His purpose. And, for this man, that was enough - enough to consider his life worth living and his death a welcome coming. Luke 2:25 - 32 introduces us briefly to Simeon, a man probably of advanced years who rejoiced at having seen “. . .Your salvation which You prepared. . .a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”

Simeon realized Jesus was no ordinary Babe. But more than this, he realized, at least in part, the significance of Jesus’ birth to both the Gentile and the Jew. Amazing! For not until Christ’s death did the gospel really begin to extend outside of Israel’s borders. Yet God granted Simeon this knowledge more than 33 years before its consummation.

This, however, was not all God had revealed to Simeon. Simeon is the first human to give Mary and Joseph a peak into what lay ahead for their infant Son. Imagine their feelings as they hear, “. . .this Child is destined for the rise and fall of many in Israel. . .that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:33 - 35).

Mary and Joseph, not so different from any other Israelite at the time, looked for a Messiah. They looked for a conquering king, a deliverer who would lead their nation to victory. Simeon reaffirms Jesus’ deity - the promised Messiah - yet in the next breath foretells His purpose. Note what is missing - no words of conquest. No hope for physical deliverance.

How often do we fall into the same sin? We look for a Savior who fits into the mold. When we fail to find our ideal, we try to force Christ to fit - thus turning our Sovereign Lord into an idol of our own making. Are we so different from Israel, then?

God help us to welcome, this Christmas and throughout the year, the true Messiah. The God - man whose life and death frees His people from a prison much worse than any constructed by human hands. Our Messiah has conquered sin and death - our ultimate enemies.

God grant us the grace to not only acknowledge Jesus’ true purpose, but to rejoice in this truth. Then grant us feet, Dear Lord, to share this real deliverance with those still ‘fast bound in sin and nature’s plight’.

“The Christian faith is derided in many circles, and many professing believers throughout history have been tempted to play down the offense of the gospel or work hard to show that Christians are not as ‘uncool’ as they seem. But while we must take care not to offend others with rude demeanors, we must also not accommodate ourselves to the world’s values. If Christ was beaten and killed, can we not, by His Spirit endure the mocking of the world?” (Tabletalk - Dec 2008 - page 40)

Most Christians do not think of the cross as Christmas. Christmas is a time for beginnings. A time to celebrate the birth, not mourn the death. However, without the cross, Christmas is just another birthday, just another mother and child, just another happy new family.

As amazing as it seems, the Lord of the universe consented not only to take on human form, but that of a helpless babe, dependent on sinful human parents for His every need. Even more amazing, however, is the purpose for which He came.

It is this purpose, the cross - taking our punishment that we might receive His righteousness - which is the true heart of Christmas. While the world may deride our ‘Merry Christmas’, may we proclaim it with boldness. Even more, as we are reminded of our Savior’s birth, may we confidently speak of Christmas’ real purpose. May we never compromise our Savior to accommodate a world that hates Him still.