What we learn from the Christmas story is endless. We see how Jesus came. John chapter 1 gives us the nativity from a spiritual perspectives—heaven’s view. Matthew gives us the story of the wise men. Luke gives us a lot to consider.
Tears and joy don’t seem to go together, but they do. This can be a season of tears for many reasons. Before I shed my first tear, I know that Jesus shed them first. In the midst of our tears we find cause to rejoice just as this portion of Luke shows us.
Luke 2: 22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. 25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto 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; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Now days the Christmas season starts in November and ends December 26. The first advent began nine months before Jesus was born when he was conceived in the womb of Mary. When the fullness of time came, God sent his son made of woman. He was not made of a man and woman as we are. His father was God. He was not born in sin with the curse of sin. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit. He could have yielded to sin. Where we sin, he did not. He did not yield. He was the only one who said no perfectly. By doing so, he became our sacrifice for sin.
The time between the dark on Christmas Eve and the morning light is when we commemorate his birth. The shepherds were given the news during this timeframe. The star was the signal to earth that God had sent the Messiah. I believe it began shining upon his conception. The wise men took note of the star and by it found the Messiah.
Here it is eight days after the birth of Jesus. Joseph and Mary found a house to live in. Little did they know what would take place. That’s where the wise men found them. Herod based his actions on what time the wise men said the star appeared. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus made a trip from Bethlehem to Jerusalem to the temple. They did it right under Herod’s nose. It doesn’t matter how the devil “palaces” himself, the Lord can move. The Law of the Lord is mentioned several times in these verses and is exactly the reason they made the trip to Jerusalem.
When Jesus was born, no doubt Mary had pain in labor. Tears came with that pain. Jesus did what every baby does at its birth. He cried. Jesus endured all this for us. At eight days old, according to the law, the male children were to be circumcised. Jesus was the law giver. The 10 commandments are the moral compass for the human race. There has never been a human before Jesus or one since that kept the law. Paul said I die daily when speaking of his need of repentance. We simply cannot keep the law perfectly. Jesus did just that. That’s why we need him. He put himself under submission of his own law. It hurt him beginning first with the circumcision and ending with the cutting of his body on the cross. These brought Jesus to tears. They hurt him.
In Jesus—the plan of salvation—there is neither circumcision nor un-circumcision. It’s all about him and not the ceremony of the law. Jesus was not forced to submit to the law. He voluntarily went under the law so that we could come out from under it. We’re not perfect, but we are saved. Jesus endured all this pain for us.
When Jesus cried out at the circumcision, a man named Simeon was nearby and heard him. He asked for permission to hold the baby. It had been revealed to him that he would see the Messiah before he died. Through the tears of Jesus, Simeon was brought to rejoicing. He blessed God, and said,Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.
He told Mary that her heart would be hurt. He referred to the crucifixion. Jesus hurt in order for us not to be held in bondage. Without Jesus there is no way for us to please God. Through Jesus Christ we have redemption from the curse of Adam and sin. We are redeemed from the curse of the law. That’s how God calls us his children. The consolation—not the condemnation—of Israel is found in Jesus. Simeon held him in his arms and rejoiced.
We need Jesus. We can’t be Christians on our own. He gives us the victory. It’s through his tears that we rejoice. By this we see how far he went for us. The Law was fulfilled to perfection, and when we trust him he will direct our paths. He’ll be our rejoicing. We take Jesus into our hearts. We hold him as the Lord of our life. It’s Jesus all the way.
Jesus Christ in us, the hope of glory. Rejoice and be glad!
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 