LUKE 2:34-35

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

TO PONDER

Simeon was a man who God had promised would live to see his promised messiah. When he held the child Jesus, he instantly knew that what he held in his hands was the fulfilment of God's promise of redemption.

Yet the Holy Spirit also gave Simeon the insight to recognise that the path forward for Jesus and also for Mary, was going to be a difficult road, one which involved social ad political upheaval, personal slander and rejection and ultimately pain and suffering.

Jesus' birth is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of a new chapter. Jesus had to grow up, become a man, makes disciples, teach the kingdom of God and lay down his life so that we might truely live.

In the same way, our coming to faith is not the end of the story, it is the beginning of a new chapter of a continuing adventure. Now that we have passed from death to life through faith in Christ we have to live that new life. It's a life modelled on the example of Jesus. A life of growing and maturing in our faith, of making disciples, of sharing the good news of the Kingdom of God, and of service to others. This is how our lives, our stories, and the story of God-with-us moves forward and advances into all the world.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank you that your story and adventure for me continues, that as long as I walk upon this earth you have adventure planned for me. I thank you that the path you have set out for me is to advance your work both in me and through me to all the world. Please help me to keep this in mind when the excitement and joy of Christmas fades and the routine of everyday life takes hold. In Jesus' name, Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle