As I mentioned in last week's email, I'm reading a chapter a day in the Book of Luke as is my tradition each December.

Any time I read the Bible, I learn something new or recall something that I've heard but have forgotten.

This week was no different.

In Luke chapter 2, Jesus is presented at the temple. Babies were not baptized, but they were brought to the temple to be dedicated to the Lord (Luke 2:22-23).

The prophet Simeon "took him [Jesus] up in his arms and blessed God . . ." (Luke 2:28)

Then Simeon said,

What's so significant about this verse?

First, Simeon acknowledges that Jesus is Salvation, the fulfillment of a promise that God had made.

Second, Simeon made it clear that Jesus came to save not only the people of Israel, but also the Gentiles.

In the Book of Acts, God makes it very clear through Peter's sermon and the Holy Spirit's pouring out, "even on the Gentiles." (Luke 10:34-45) And later, Paul becomes the apostle who preaches first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles.

But before Jesus' ministry even begins . . . Before Jesus even says a word, Simeon says that Jesus came to offer salvation to the Jews AND the Gentiles!

That's fascinating to me.

The text only indicates that Mary and Joseph heard Simeon's words and "marveled at what was said about Him." (Luke 2:33) But I wonder how I would have reacted if I had attended the dedication ceremony.

Would I have hung on every word and known, in advance of the apostles, that the Gentiles were included in the promise of salvation? I hope so.

What a merry first Christmas it would have been for anyone who was allowed to hear and internalize Simeon's words!

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LET'S PRAY

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sending your only begotten Son to save us, Lord.

Thank you for the gift of Salvation.

I don't deserve anything from you, yet you offer me Salvation and more every day.

Thank you for your living Word that connects dots for me each time I read it.

Thank you for giving me a thirst and a hunger for Your Word, so I can know You and Your story better.

I ask that You touch the heart of each person in my orbit, so she will be freed from sin, encouraged by Your promises, and hopeful for your Your gift of Salvation.

In Your Son's, Name, Amen

Reader, If you haven't been reading your Bible lately, why not commit now to reading one chapter of Luke each day? It doesn't take long. You can read it in paper form or online using an app like Bible.org. I'd love for you to join me as we feast on God's Word together. Please see my invitation below.

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AN INVITATION

I love to read the Book of Luke in December. I read one chapter each day, and by Christmas Eve, I've read the whole book (24 chapters): From Jesus' birth through His Resurrection and Ascension.

If you'd like to join me, click on the Yes option as your answer (to the poll) below. You're only committing to reading (independently) one chapter a day and, possibly, receiving a mid-week email or two.

Staying in the Word during this busy time of year puts everything from the world into perspective. I'd love for you to join me!

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Blessings,

Michelle | To God Be The Glory
Be On The Lookout For God #BOLO4G #BeABerean

Helping women nurture a deeper relationship with our one and only living God through prayer and the Bible