“Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.  For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:  a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

Luke 2:27-32 The Passion Translation

When Simeon took the babe Jesus into his arms, he was gazing tenderly on the promise of salvation given thousands of years to his people.

As he held the babe, he gazed into the power of the universe in human form, knowing that it was not just a gift for his people but for people – Jesus was given for the salvation of all nations and all nationalities.

Christmas is a thousand stories of revelation, joy, courage and hope when the truth of who Jesus is, is revealed to the soul. He is embodied love, uncontainable light and the majestic glory of God Himself sent from heaven to live vulnerable, speak truth, challenge lies and free the soul from the bondage of sin forever.

Somehow, through the traditions of Christmas in every nation, the gift of love and hope remain. Whether people realize it or not – Christ has not been taken out of Christmas, it is His heart that beats through it all, for all, until all know His eternal love.

Four days till Christmas…..