Daily Reflections, Saturday, December 29, 2007

Today's Scripture: Luke 2:21-35

The old man stood in the temple, his head bowed, his white hair a gentle crown. Was today the day he would see the Messiah? He rubbed his shoulder. "My shoulder aches today and so does my back but I know God did not lie to me. I know that one day I will see the Promised One."

He lifts his eyes then and looks around the entryway. Many people brought their babies today to be presented to the Lord. Simeon looked at each one. Some of them cried, others slept. One tiny one even smiled at him. Startled, Simeon looked again. The woman carrying the baby was slight, joy seemed to stream out of her features. A tall man leaned on a staff. Could it be? His heart fl uttered and he went forward to see. One more look and he knew for sure. Knew that God had revealed this to Him.

"Can I hold him?" Simeon asked. The woman nodded. The old man gently gathered the baby close and looked into his eyes.

The Messiah. His Lord.

"I am blessed, O God." Simeon lifted his eyes to heaven. "Now your servant can depart in peace. I have seen Your Salvation in the flesh."

When he went to return the baby, he saw the mother and father awash with tears.

He would never forget this long awaited day.

Today's Quote:  When Christmas doesn’t make your heart swell up until it nearly bursts, then you will know that something inside of you is dead.—Peter Marshall