“The Advent mystery is the beginning of the end of all in us that is not yet Christ.” — Thomas Merton
Question to Explore:
What’s the About Christmas?
Luke 2:25-26 NIV
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
Luke 2:29-30 NIV
Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.
Simeon Song of Encounter—
1. Is a of
“The main question is whether or not we have the Son, not that we understand the whole plan of salvation. The first condition of salvation is not knowledge, but meeting Christ.” –Watchman Nee
“Jesus is the connection between the spiritual and the material” –Eugene Peterson
Luke 2:30-32 NIV
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.
2: Invites People
Isaiah 42:6 NIV
I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentile.
Isaiah 60:3 NIV
The nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Luke 2:34-35 NIV
“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
3: Prepares us for and
Revelation 21:4-5 NIV
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making everything new!”
“A marvelous and mighty paradox has thus occurred, for the death which they thought to inflict on Him as dishonor and disgrace has become the glorious monument to death’s defeat.” –Athanasius
“In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.” –Henri Nouwen
4: Encourages us to the of the Incarnation
“We find rest in those we love, and we provide a resting place in ourselves for those who love us.” —Bernard of Clairvaux
Answer Key: Big Deal, Revelation, Salvation, All, Suffering, Glory, Embrace, Fullness