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Go Forth and Shine Anew
(Luke 2:22-40—Preacher: Ps Paw Liang)

What’s next after Christmas? Do we encounter the living Christ during in our celebrations? What will that mean to us?

 Luke highlighted to witnesses who have met the living Christ, Anna and Simeon. Anna has devoted herself to the life of prayer and fasting. As for Simeon, the Bible gives us a bit of his resume. Simeon was a just (righteous) and devout believer. Just means he related well with his neighbors, living a just and righteous life. Luke didn’t say he is a religious man, rathe a devout which focused more on the quality of his inner life and spiritual grace he possess. He was devoted to God and the Holy Spirit was with Him. He had been given the privilege to see the Saviour before he died.
Like other Jews in his time, they had been expecting the coming of the Messiah from the seed of David—the consolation and glory for Israel, the blessing for all nation. Yet, Simoen was given the grace to see Jesus, as the living saviour. 

A Promise: Consolation from the Saviour
Simeon waited with hope the consolation for Israel, and he found it? How about us? What does the present of the Saviour mean to you? The Grace of God will enable us to see and to taste the Salvation. This should bring “consolation to our soul” and to keep us at His peace as Christ dwells in our heart. How much of the promise of Christ bring consolation to you: in facing adversity, when things go wrong? Does the still voice of Christ work? “Behold! I am with you always ‘till the end of the world!”

A Promise is a Promise. For every condition there will be a consolation! How much does the promise: “Behold! I will be with you always . . .” works in you? The Father does not give you promises and then leave you! The promises He has written in the Word He will engrave on your heart. Towards the end of the year, or approaching the end of journey in life ... hold on to His Promise! If you feel you have no more strength to come to the Lord,  be known that Christ can come to you! “Behold, I am with you always . . .”

Departing in Peace After Seeing Jesus
Simoen said, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation (29,30). Simeon saw clearly Jesus and the salvation He brought to this world. How clear are you in seeing Jesus? Some people are very “hazy” about their faith therefore they are doubtful about God or half belief. God’s grace enabled him to see “that Jesus was the Saviour” the same grace helped to loosen the cords which bound him to earth and made him feel attraction to a better land, the eternal home. The question for us: What are the “stuff” that bind you that you need the grace of God to set you free . . . The stuff that bind us to the past, to 2017 .  .? 


This Christmas, may the grace of God enable us to see Jesus, our Saviour, clearly! May our soul find His consolation so we may depart in peace. And to go forth and shine anew, to live as a “Redeemed” who possess God’s grace. At peace with others (just) and at peace with God (devout). Living in expectation of the Second Coming of the Lord! Go forth and shine anew! Shine forth the Good News of Salvation, Depart in peace, marching with hope and grace for the Lord is with us . . . come what it may! (PLT)

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