December 25
________________________________________
BEHOLD THE MESSIAH
A poem by ILMA
At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon
He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah
The Messiah was to come and rescue the people of Israel
The Holy Spirit was upon him and revealed to him about the Savior.
Simeon prayed that he won’t die until he had seen the promised Messiah
That day the Holy Spirit led this righteous man to the Temple
When Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus, he was there
His prayer was answered so he took the Lord in his arms and praised God.
“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised.
I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people.
He is the promised Redeemer; he is a light to reveal God to the nations
He is the one that will deliver us; He is the glory of your people Israel!”
Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about their baby
Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother
“This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise
As a result, the hearts of many will be revealed and a sword will pierce your very soul.”
________________________________________
MEMORY VERSE
That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So, when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God. – Luke 2:27-28
Read: Luke 2:25-35
What an honor it was for Simeon to be granted his prayer to die only when he beholds the Messiah. That day was a special day for him as he holds in his arms the Son of God. What a privilege that was! Imagine the surprise of Mary and Joseph as this man talks about the prophecy about their child.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why did God let Simeon see and hold the baby Jesus?
• Why did Simeon pray for his life to be taken after he has seen the Messiah?