Moved by the Spirit, [Simeon] went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "... 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."
—Luke 2:27-32 NIV
Key Thought
I love Simeon's words of joy. They are deeply moving, and they sound like a song. As our hearts are full today of so many good things, let's remember the greatest gift we have ever received: Jesus! As songs of the season fill our hearts, let's truly hear the words of the songs that joyously announce this gift and remember the joy of Simeon's words as he first saw Jesus. Let's also remember that the same Holy Spirit who filled Simeon also fills us — including when we sing, speaking to one another through the words of spiritual songs and praising God from our hearts in song (Ephesians 5:17-20). Let's be moved by the Spirit to proclaim God's gracious and greatest gift!
Today's Prayer
Almighty God, I thank you and receive the gift of your Son with joy, appreciation, and humility. Thank you for loving me so completely and sacrificially. May my life display your character and compassion and may my words proclaim the goodness of your love and the graciousness of your gift in Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2018 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Continue reading...
—Luke 2:27-32 NIV
Key Thought
I love Simeon's words of joy. They are deeply moving, and they sound like a song. As our hearts are full today of so many good things, let's remember the greatest gift we have ever received: Jesus! As songs of the season fill our hearts, let's truly hear the words of the songs that joyously announce this gift and remember the joy of Simeon's words as he first saw Jesus. Let's also remember that the same Holy Spirit who filled Simeon also fills us — including when we sing, speaking to one another through the words of spiritual songs and praising God from our hearts in song (Ephesians 5:17-20). Let's be moved by the Spirit to proclaim God's gracious and greatest gift!
Today's Prayer
Almighty God, I thank you and receive the gift of your Son with joy, appreciation, and humility. Thank you for loving me so completely and sacrificially. May my life display your character and compassion and may my words proclaim the goodness of your love and the graciousness of your gift in Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2018 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Continue reading...
