What Child is This

He took him up in his arms and blessed God.

Luke 2:28

Joseph and Mary presented Jesus as a child in the temple according to the Law of Moses. When they arrived, they were met by Simeon, who was waiting for the Messiah to be born. When he saw Jesus, he took Him into his arms and blessed God. His words are still relevant to us today as we celebrate the birth of Jesus:

Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word…
As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have an eternal and lasting peace regardless of what goes on around us. Life can be difficult, yet because of Jesus, we can still have peace that passes all understanding and guards our hearts and minds.

For my eyes have seen your salvation…
The Lord reveals Himself to those who long for Him. He gives us visions of purpose and calling that compels us towards action. We aren’t saved to simply exist, but rather to thrive under the influence of the Holy Spirit in the midst of a crooked and wicked world.

That you have prepared in the presence of all peoples a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.
Jesus didn’t just die for the Jewish people, but He died that everyone in the world could know God personally. The light of Jesus can’t be hid even though kings and rulers down the generations have sought to snuff out His followers. Jesus is the light of the world and we are His representatives in what we say and do.

What are we going to do with this Child? We have a choice: to follow or reject Him as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Choose Christ for Christmas—His gift of eternal life is too precious to pass up.