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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“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 of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

Read: Luke 2:25-35
Listen: Luke 2

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Described as “righteous” and “devout,” Simeon is waiting. He is waiting to see the Messiah, whom God promised he would see before his life came to an end. Day after day, he waits. And waits. And waits some more. Then, one day, he notices a young man and woman cradling a baby as they enter the temple courts. As he moves toward them, he hears the voice of the Spirit say, “Here he is. He’s the One.” Taking the baby in his arms, Simeon begins to sing (read it in Luke 2:28–32).

As he sings, he speaks of two things Jesus will do: he will be a “light for revelation to the Gentiles” and “the glory of Israel.” This means that the baby he holds will offer himself as salvation to the world, not just to Israel. What Simeon sings of this day in the temple courts will eventually be known as the church, where “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Pray for wisdom and faithfulness as you share the Gospel and bring the light of Jesus to the world around you.

2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

December is CELEBRATION. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.