By And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed to him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then he took him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes Yea have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (Luke 2:25-32)
Imagine the honor and privilege that Simeon experienced! He actually experienced holding the Savior of the world in his arms. He had been promised that he would see Jesus. Now it had finally happened.
In studying Scripture, we find that God chose to reveal Himself through the people of Israel. Israel would not be alone in that revelation. Through Jesus all nations of the Gentile world would have an understanding of God also. As Simeon said, “He is a light to lighten the Gentiles and He is the glory of Israel.”
Truly – in the person of Jesus – God’s salvation has been prepared in the face of all people. Years later, when seeing Jesus approach, John the Baptist declared, “Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” Aren’t you glad that Jesus came to earth for all people?
During this Christmas season, let us remember that He is the Savior for all people. That includes me; that includes you.
Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.
Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter — Breanna.
Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.
by leaps and bounds 