Luke 2:25-27  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, . . . (NLT)

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Two of my favorite books from the last two years are Russ Ramsey’s Rembrandt is in the Wind and Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart. Both books have interesting insights on the artist known as Rembrandt. He completed two paintings of this scene with Simeon in the temple courts. 

The first painting was completed when Rembrandt was twenty-five years old and seeking to impress the world with his skill. It is full of characters, light, and shadow. The other was completed thirty-eight years later in the year he died. The focus is entirely on an old man holding a baby. Ramsey says it this way:

“After a life filled with suffering and sorrow, he just seems to want to hold Jesus.”

That was Simeon’s story, and Rembrandt’s as well. 

Listen to Luke 2:28-32:

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.”

Christmas is over. Costco is still crowded. The malls runneth over. The Chick fil A drive-through is moving, but where do we join the line? 

It would surely be nice to stand and hold a baby, to consider how good and gracious our God is. He made a promise to a man who grew old awaiting its fulfillment. Seeing it come true before his very eyes, and holding his Savior in his arms, he was ready to go on home to heaven. 

Jesus is like that, isn’t he? He is the promise kept. He is the gateway to eternity. He is what ultimately matters. 

Open your hands. Hold him in your arms. Focus on what God has done for you.

What better way to close out a calendar and to prepare for a New Year full of meaning and purpose?

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I will open my hands to Jesus.

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Our Father, more Jesus, please. Today, tomorrow, and forever, may our reality find itself shaped by your promise kept and promise to come. Amen.