Happy December! Christmas is on its way and we couldn’t think of a better way to ready our hearts together than by spending the whole month reading through the story of Jesus’ birth and finding some practical ways to love others. Together, we will work through an Advent reading plan provided by LCBC Church through YouVersion. Our prayer is that as you read about the greatest story ever told, your hearts will be readied for Christ’s arrival.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 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.”
As they are in the temple, Mary and Joseph are visited by two old saints – Simeon and Anna. They recognize that Jesus is the Messiah prophesied by God.
Pray
Pray that you might have the time to bless someone today like Simeon blessed Jesus. Maybe it is a friend or a child – literally taking time to pray for them as a prayer of blessing. Perhaps it is a coworker or a teacher who needs some extra grace at this time —pray for the time and the boldness to bless them.
Practice
Among your friends or family – pull someone aside today and take a moment to bless them through prayer. Ask God to richly bless them. Think through their life right now and what they need and ask God to bless them.
