Christ has Come

Long ago, God made a glorious promise. To a wayward people, lost in rebellion and sin, God extended a gracious hand and promised rescue. A Savior would come—the consolation and comfort of Israel. Today’s passage in Luke 2:25-35 gives us a glimpse of what it must have been like for God’s people as they awaited this Savior. Generation after generation, they had been expectantly watching for their Messiah, the one who would rescue them from their sin. In Luke 2, Simeon represents the hope of an entire nation. But now, as he holds this baby in his arms, Simeon sees God’s promise fulfilled. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Simeon sees his salvation and rejoices—Hallelujah, Christ has come!

This long-expected Rescuer was Israel’s consolation and glory, but His saving work would not be held in by Israel’s borders. Simeon tells us this Savior would be a light to all nations. God’s glorious promise of salvation had always been intended for Jews and Gentiles alike, and now Simeon rejoices at the arrival of Jesus, the Savior of the world. As he celebrates this joyful moment, however, Simeon reminds us that Jesus would accomplish this salvation through opposition and agony. Even as a baby, the shadow of the cross hung over Jesus’ life; His saving sacrifice would be like a sword piercing his mother’s very soul.

Connect with Kids

• Simeon had been watching for the Messiah, but who actually led him to Jesus? (The Holy Spirit—God Himself led Simeon to recognize his Savior.)
• What do you think Simeon meant when he said Jesus would cause the rise and fall of many? (Those who trust in Jesus will be saved from sin and death, but whoever rejects Him will remain lost in those things.)
• Simeon told Mary a sword would pierce her soul. Why would he bring up a painful thing like that in the middle of a happy moment? (To show us that Jesus’ sacrificial death was part of God’s rescue plan from the very beginning.)

Further Reflection

After years of darkness, the Holy Spirit led Simeon to recognize the Light of the world. How is the Spirit leading you to see and share the light of Jesus?

Prayer Point

Praise God for keeping His promise to send a Savior; ask Him to help you be a part of His work as He reveals the light of salvation to all nations.