WORD FOR THE WEEK

 The people walking in darkness 

   have seen a great light; 

on those living in the land of deep darkness 

   a light has dawned. 

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given, 
and the government will be on his shoulders. 

And he will be called 

   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 

   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
(Isaiah 9: 2, 6)

There are many times in life when we have to wait for things - even good things.  This can often be the case with God's promises.  In Scripture, Simeon waited with expectation.

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.  Moved by the Spirit, he 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:

    “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, 
   you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 
   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.”
(Luke 2: 25-32)

Are you walking in darkness right now?

Are you are waiting on a promise from God?

Are you trusting God to keep his promise to you?

While waiting on God to fulfill his promise to you, let this Christmas season remind you to be like Simeon - righteous and devout, full of the Holy Spirit, waiting with expectant anticipation for God to fulfill his promise.

(Adapted from Advent Guide, The Village Church, 2011)