Christmas Week – Tuesday

This Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel. – Luke 2:34.

Aged Simeon, of whom we read yesterday, finally blessed Joseph and Mary. And then he prophesied concerning the Christ-Child, saying to Mary, His mother: “Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against, (yea, a sword shall pierce through thine own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” – Jesus is the corner-stone of that temple of God which shall grow until the last day, His redeemed and believing Church. Those who, in unbelief, stumble and are offended at Him shall fall into eternal destruction. But those poor and prostrate sinners who in faith lay hold on Him, and are strengthen in Him, shall rise to new and eternal life. Jesus is the great sign demonstrating the grace of God toward us poor sinners. But how did they oppose Him? Think of His cross! There the sword of grief and pain, as was prophesied, pierced also through the soul of Mary. When men so oppose Him, now as ever, then the thoughts, the wicked, godless thoughts of hearts, are clearly revealed. Judgment Day will show this. O you who read this, let the Spirit of Jesus Christ govern you to believe in the Savior, and to strengthen yourself in Him, and to stand in the grace of God, and to enter eternal life!

PRAYER. – Lord God, dear Heavenly Father, who through Simeon didst foretell that Christ, Thy Son, is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, enlighten my heart, I beg Thee, through Thy Holy Spirit, to know Thy Son Christ as my Savior, always to stay with Him, and to rise in Him, but never to stumble at Him and fall, like the blind and careless world. Grant, O Lord, that I may ever be a living stone of Thy temple which is built on Christ, the only corner-stone of Thy Church, O Triune God. Amen.

My Savior, I behold Thee

With faith’s enlightened eye;

Of Thee no foe can rob me,

His threats I can defy.

Within Thy heart abiding,

As Thou, O Lord, in me,

Death can no longer frighten

Nor part my soul from Thee.

Hymn 138, 5.