Boxing Day

Whether you’re slumping on the sofa this morning or preparing to tackle an ambitious boxing-day walk, take a few moments to reflect on the words of Simeon as he held the infant Jesus in the temple:

‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.’
Luke 2:29-32

• What does Simeon see in this child (v 30)?
• How else does he describe him (v 32)?
• What do you think he means by these phrases?

In the coming of the Christ, God’s glory came to Israel, to His ancient chosen people. And glory was offered to Israel; the opportunity to be at peace with God finally, eternally (2 v 14). But Simeon says Jesus has come to do more than save Israel; He’s come to reveal God to non-Jews, to the Gentiles.

In Luke we’ll find Jesus continually reaching out to those beyond “good Israel”; to Jews who’ve lost their way, and to Gentiles who have never known the way. This would have been surprising to many Jews of Jesus’ day. Surely God’s Christ would want to spend time with, and be of help to, His people, and particularly His people who were obeying His rules?

It’s easy for us to miss the modern-day challenge of Simeon’s words here.

• Who are the people who live around us who we make no effort to reach with the news of Jesus the Christ?
• Are there “types” of people who you never see in your church, and who your church never deliberately seeks out with the gospel?
• How can we as Christians seem like rule-keepers who look down on rulebreakers?
• As we take stock and look ahead to a new year, how does this challenge you as an individual, and as a member of your church?