This week’s readings are based on the “Behold” sermon series. For this series, we are looking at what it truly means to BEHOLD, gaze at, grasp, relish, internalize, and rejoice in Jesus Christ. Start beholding right now by giving thanks for this time with God. Then start reading the text and letting it read you.

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 2:28-32 (NIV)

Can you imagine this moment? The Old Testament promised a Messiah and Savior. Simeon had been waiting his whole life for this, and now he was holding Jesus. What kind of joy and peace would he be experiencing? At the same time, Simeon knew something that many missed. This Baby would bring salvation to the world, not just to the Jewish people. While many passages in the Old Testament point to this truth, Isaiah 42:6-7 (ESV) might have been on Simeon’s mind, “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” A time of freedom and light was coming, and Simeon knew it before anyone else. What is it about Jesus that brings you joy and peace? Who do you need to share this with?