Advent Reading for December 18, 2023 | “Christmas Unveiling Easter’s Promise” from Luke 2:25-35

²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon Him. ²⁶ 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. ²⁷ And he came in 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, ²⁸ he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

²⁹ “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to Your Word;
³⁰ for my eyes have seen your salvation
³¹ that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”

          ³³ And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. ³⁴ And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed ³⁵ (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

Luke 2:25-35

“Christmas Unveiling Easter’s Promise”

Cradling a newborn often leaves us grasping for words, yet, when Simeon embraced the infant Jesus in the temple, his words resounded with prophetic gravity. Simeon anticipated the fulfillment of God’s promise in this child, recognizing Jesus as the Savior not just for the Jewish nation but for the entire world (Luke 2:30-32).

Alongside this divine hope, Simeon foresaw a somber shadow of suffering. Amidst proclaiming salvation, he hinted at the division Jesus would bring, revealing the depths of people’s hearts. He tenderly forewarned Mary of the anguish she would endure because of her son’s destiny (Luke 2:34-35) – which reminds me of Good Friday and Easter

While Easter might not be the typical focus of Christmas, understanding the significance of Easter unlocks the very heart of Christmas itself. Simeon, with profound insight, pointed forward to the significance of Good Friday while welcoming the baby central to the Christmas narrative. His words connected the humble manger to the redemptive work accomplished on the rugged cross.

Christianity isn’t a moral code for self-improvement but the proclamation of Christ’s finished work. It isn’t about our merit but about God’s mighty ability to rescue, redeem, and restore. Much like the relief felt after settling a bill, God stamped “PAID” against our sins through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. The events that pierced Mary’s soul culminated in God’s unmistakable declaration: Jesus conquered death and paid the debt for all sinners (Luke 24:1-7).

Luke’s Gospel serves as a masterful bridge, connecting the Christmas story with Easter’s triumphant climax. Jesus, in his life and death, fulfilled Simeon’s prophecies—reaching out to the marginalized, facing opposition, and ultimately redeeming sinners through the sacrifice of the cross, all fueled by an unparalleled love for humanity.

Jesus, the embodiment of divine love, sacrificed himself for sinners like Simeon, Mary, Zechariah, the shepherds, and each of us—extending redemption despite our flaws and showcasing an immeasurable depth of love. This truth is the resounding heartbeat of Christmas, leading to the profound grace and unfathomable hope found in the resurrection of Easter.

Reflection Questions:

1. Reflecting on Simeon’s anticipation of Jesus connecting Christmas to Easter, how does this deepen your appreciation for the entire Story of Christ?
2. In what ways does Jesus’s sacrificial death resonate the idea of a fully paid debt, and how does this understanding impact the way you view God’s grace and forgiveness?

"Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming) – Refresh & Restore | A JustKeithHarris.com Podcast

📖 Revelation 4:1–11In this episode of The King is Coming, Keith Harris and Jamie Harrison move beyond Jesus’s letters to the churches and into the next part of John’s vision. In Revelation 4, John is invited through an open door into heaven—and what he sees is the throne room of God.At the center of everything is a throne, and seated on it is the Lord in all His glory. From this point forward in Revelation, the throne becomes the focal point of the entire book.John describes the scene the best way he can: the brilliance of precious stones, a rainbow surrounding the throne, flashes of lightning and thunder, and a crystal-like sea before it. Surrounding the throne are twenty-four elders and four living creatures who never cease to worship the Lord.Together, Keith and Jamie discuss:✔️ Why Revelation 4 marks a shift from the letters to the churches to John’s heavenly vision✔️ What the throne room reveals about God’s authority and security over all things✔️ Why John uses comparisons (“like” and “as”) to describe the glory he sees✔️ The mystery of the twenty-four elders and what we can—and cannot—know✔️ The constant worship of the living creatures crying “Holy, holy, holy”✔️ Why heaven’s worship centers on God simply because He is worthyIn the throne room, everything points to one truth: God alone is worthy of worship.“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)🔗 If you would like to see a written version of this podcast, complete with footnotes and cross-references, you can find it here.

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