"At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. 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, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,
'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 a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!'
Jesus' parents were amazed at what was being said about him."
Jesus was the product of God's slow, patient plan over many millennia. It all boiled down to one baby, born in one stable—all of God's work in calling out and fashioning a people to whom he would reveal himself uniquely. The people failed him, again and again, so he took it upon himself to do for them what they could not do for themselves. God's plan through Jesus would not be confined to the Jews, either. This time his revelation would be for all. It's a big plan, and you're part of it! Do you know your part?
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