"Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “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.” Luke 2:34, 35 Sobering words that have proved to be sadly true over 20 centuries.
At Christmas we often like to dwell on the words of the prophet Isaiah, predicting the the One to come would be known (among his many titles), as "Prince of Peace". Or the wonderful, encouraging words of the angels to the shepherds on that first Christmas night "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
But the prophetic words of Simeon, spoken to Mary just days after the birth of Jesus, have proven sadly true. When grown to adulthood, Jesus himself spoke about this. Wherever Jesus went, and wherever the Good News of Jesus goes, He brings division. Some "fall" farther away from God by rejecting Him and actually speak against Christ. Others "rise" in relationship with God by faith in Christ. The response to Christ has caused "the thoughts of many hearts (to be) revealed."
We rejoice to know that the Good News has spread even farther this Season, as multiple thousands, in a variety of countries have heard the Christmas story for the first time. Many of them have been drawn toward belief.
Yet others have immediately rejected this news of Jesus. And many who know about Christ have continued to reject Him and anything about Him. Various people have once again, in actions and words, spoken against the baby born in Bethlehem, who is Christ the Lord.
So He brings division in our family, and perhaps in yours. He brings division in our community and in yours. Simeon prophesied, and Jesus made it even more clear: no one can remain neutral regarding the one born in Bethlehem. Our response to Him brings division; brings spiritual life or brings spiritual death. Our response to this One makes huge, everlasting difference.
At Christmas we often like to dwell on the words of the prophet Isaiah, predicting the the One to come would be known (among his many titles), as "Prince of Peace". Or the wonderful, encouraging words of the angels to the shepherds on that first Christmas night "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
But the prophetic words of Simeon, spoken to Mary just days after the birth of Jesus, have proven sadly true. When grown to adulthood, Jesus himself spoke about this. Wherever Jesus went, and wherever the Good News of Jesus goes, He brings division. Some "fall" farther away from God by rejecting Him and actually speak against Christ. Others "rise" in relationship with God by faith in Christ. The response to Christ has caused "the thoughts of many hearts (to be) revealed."
We rejoice to know that the Good News has spread even farther this Season, as multiple thousands, in a variety of countries have heard the Christmas story for the first time. Many of them have been drawn toward belief.
Yet others have immediately rejected this news of Jesus. And many who know about Christ have continued to reject Him and anything about Him. Various people have once again, in actions and words, spoken against the baby born in Bethlehem, who is Christ the Lord.
So He brings division in our family, and perhaps in yours. He brings division in our community and in yours. Simeon prophesied, and Jesus made it even more clear: no one can remain neutral regarding the one born in Bethlehem. Our response to Him brings division; brings spiritual life or brings spiritual death. Our response to this One makes huge, everlasting difference.
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