COV LIFE BLOG

Luke 2:25-35 – Songs of Advent – Simeon’s Song

Then Simeon calls him “a light of revelation for the Gentiles.” Here is a completely new thought. You won’t find this in the other songs of Christmas. Mary’s song is completely Jewish. She thinks in Jewish terms and expresses her thoughts in Jewish ways. The Gentiles are nowhere in view. The same is true of Zechariah. The angels’ song broadens the viewpoint by mentioning, “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” But nowhere in any of the previous songs are the Gentiles mentioned by name.

But Simeon explicitly says that this baby will not only be the glory of his own people Israel. He will also be the light of revelation for the Gentiles. He’s not just for Israel. He didn’t come just for their benefit. He came to shine a light of the revelation of God into every nation, every tribe, every kindred and every tongue. The Jews couldn’t say, “He belongs to us and you can’t have him.” Nor could they say, “You have to become a Jew to enjoy Messiah’s benefits.” No! Doubtless that’s what some Jews expected. But Simeon’s words explode forever that narrow nationalism.

He’s the Savior of the whole world. Rich and poor, young and old, black and white, Jew and Gentile, American and Japanese, healthy and handicapped. All people are included in his coming. He didn’t come for a small group. He came for the whole wide world. “Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight.”

That means there is hope for you at Christmastime. If you are lonely this year, Simeon meant to include you. If your family has rejected you, Simeon meant to include you. If you feel forgotten, depressed, discouraged, and down on your luck, be of good cheer, Christmas is for you! Whatever sins are holding you back this year, Christmas means that you can be forgiven, because Jesus came for you.

It’s true that our Lord was a Jew. But he didn’t come just for the Jews.

He met a Samaritan woman at the well, and he forgave her.

He met a Roman centurion and said, “I have not found such great faith in all of Israel.”

He met a Syrophoenician woman and healed her daughter.

When he was crucified, it was a Roman centurion who said, “Surely this was the Son of God.”

In all of this, Simeon is telling us something crucial. By sending his Son to the earth, he is not only fulfilling his promises to the nation. He is also bringing to the world a Savior for all people everywhere.

Ray Pritchard

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SCRIPTURES FOR MEDITATION
Read Luke 2:25-35 and consider the unique role that Jesus is prophesied to play in human history. How does this impact your own personal worship and relationship with Christ as well as how you think about evangelism and missions? What practical changes should your life exhibit as we come out of this fresh Advent series?

SONG FOR THIS WEEK
What Child Is This by William Chatterton Dix