Wed Dec 21, 2922
Read: Luke 2:33-35
Mary and Joseph stood there, awestruck over what was being said about their baby. Simeon then blessed them and prophesied over Mary, saying: “A painful sword will one day pierce your inner being, for your child will be rejected by many in Israel. And the destiny of your child is this: he will be laid down as a miracle sign for the downfall and resurrection of many in Israel. Many will oppose this sign, but it will expose to all the innermost thoughts of their hearts before God.” (The Passion Translation)
We know the feeling when people say something wonderful about your child. You swell with pride and marvel at them seeing this in your child; and telling you. So, when we read that Mary and Joseph were awestruck over what was being said, we could understand that and how happy they must have been. Simeon was not the first person to tell Mary her baby was Lord or Messiah. Can you imagine hearing that about your baby? As a parent, the pride but also overwhelming feeling Mary and Joseph must have had.
But then Simeon went on to say that their child would be opposed by many, and they would have a painful sword pierce their inner being. They went from jubilation to pain and worry about their son being rejected in an instant. Maybe you have experienced that at sometime as well, where one minute you were very happy and than a word changed your emotions. But we know that Mary and Joseph did not stay in that space of pain, worry, grieving for their baby. They continued to listen to God’s directions and praise him.
We pray this Christmas season, that we can all be more like Mary and Joseph and not stay in those moments where a word, thought or action causes us to not feel Joy. That we can all reflect on this little baby that endured the ultimate sacrifice for us and that his parents knew about it and knew that they could not stop him from the pain and suffering. All of this was done for US!! What a wonderful gift!
Written by Brian & Angie Tuffnail