Do you feel a letdown following Christmas? Once all the family gatherings are done, are you exhausted? Do you look forward to the new year? Do you reflect on the past year? Have you read beyond the story of Jesus’ birth? Do you know what happens next in Jesus’ life?
For many of us, Christmas is a very busy time. Even more so if you are in ministry or a pastor. There is the planning of additional services…and all the family gatherings. Many people travel hundreds of miles to be with family. There is so much to do in so little time.
By the time we get through all the Christmas activities, we are exhausted. Then what? We are invited to or are throwing our own New Year’s Eve party. Somehow, we manage to stay up until midnight to welcome in a new year. After a couple weeks of continuous activity, we need a vacation. We have crammed as much as we can into a couple weeks and ran ourselves ragged.
We have been so busy that we haven’t continued the Christmas story. We haven’t read what happened next in Jesus’ life. Unfortunately, that means we have missed a very important part of His story. We missed an important point about Mary and Joseph. We may have missed the same key point in the nativity text. Mary and Joseph were righteous people. They followed God’s law. Perhaps that is why they were chosen from the beginning to be the earthly parents of Jesus.
When they took Jesus to the temple to be dedicated to God, they heard amazing prophecy about him. Simeon tells them what their son would do. How Jesus would be the Great Revealer, the Rock, would grant wings like eagles, and be controversial for many. Simeon knew Jesus was the Messiah the moment he laid eyes on Him. Not only did Simeon know but Anna knew as well when she saw Him in the temple. She spoke of Jerusalem’s redemption.
I pray we all read the continuation of the Christmas story. I pray we, too, see Jesus as our Redeemer. I pray each one of us continue our celebration of Jesus coming to be our Savior and recommit to Him. Read the continuation of the Christmas story. See Jesus as the Messiah. Hear the wondrous stories about Him. Recommit to following Jesus.
Luke 2:33-35 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Marty Pressey 