Luke 2: 25-32, NKJV:
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
“ Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
For my eyes have seen Your salvation
Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
"Consolation".... Ah what a wonderful word! What comfort and love are wrapped up in that word...
Console - " To allay the sorrow or grief of. See Synonyms at comfort." (See also here and here)
Christ has come - and we have an Advocate, a Comforter. He Himself is our Advocate in Heaven, pleading our case and interceeding for us in the Father's presence. And, He has sent His Spirit to be our Comforter, our Paraclete, to walk alongside us and guide and indwell us.
He does not break the weak, instead, He puts His arms around them and strengthens them with His perfect and irresistable power. He is our own High Priest, perfect in every way, and pleading His Blood as payment for our sins. We have the consolation of His intercession and His ever present love fore His children.
How blessed Simeon was, to have had the assurance of God that he would see the Lord's Christ before he died. How faithful God is, to fulfill each and every promise He has made to a sinful and undeserving humanity!
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.
Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Refrain
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Refrain
Thank You, Lord God, for Your neverending love, compassion, and faithfulness to us. Please use this season of celebrating Your beloved Son's birth to renew Your Spirit within us, and to give us the warm fire of Your Son's consoling presence. May we live our lives knowing that we live them coram deo - before the face of God - and may we rejoice at all the blessings You shower upon us! Let Your Word be proclaimed though all the earth, and may our hearts burn with Your love and Your presence. In Your Son's name, amen!
Friday is the last day to submit your Christmas posts to the Carnival of Christmas!
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