DAY TWENTY-ONE (21 DEC 2020) - COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

by King's Cross Training December 21, 2020

“Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

Luke 2: 36-38

Extra readings: Mark 16:9-19, Isaiah 53:1-3, Isaiah 52:7-10

Yesterday we learned about that great saint of the Old Testament, Simeon. He was not alone in Israel in recognising the significance of this child brought to the Temple by Mary and Joseph. Anna was an elderly prophet who spent most of her time in the Temple, worshipping God and ministering to the people. (Note: there were prophets amongst the people of God who were not necessarily the ‘famous’ ones we all know about; note: some of them were women.)

Her sharpened prophet senses immediately recognised that in Jesus, she was seeing the Messiah. She spread the news amongst those who were already on the lookout for God’s salvation. God had prepared a people who were ready to receive Jesus. We usually think of all those who rejected him, the majority of the religious leaders – but there was another group, a remnant group, who could hear from the Holy Spirit and who were waiting to see God’s salvation. People like Anna and Simeon. People like Peter, John and James. People like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. And many countless, nameless others.

God had not forgotten His people. God has not forgotten you either. Christmas should be a splendid reminder of that.

Prayer

Let this Christmas be a firm reminder to me, Lord, of Your faithfulness.

Do this devotional as a family

1. Prepare by discussing what it means to ‘have a gut feeling’. Where does that expression come from and what is it supposed to mean?

2. Begin by allowing each person to share when they had a feeling that something was going to happen – and then it actually did happen! Like when they thought they might receive something special as a birthday gift (say a bicycle) and on their birthday – there it was!!

3. Explain that God has placed a little of Himself into each of us (see Eccl 3:11 “He has also set eternity in the human heart”.) This sometimes functions as our conscience and at other times as a forewarning.

4. Finish by praying and blessing each child, then allow them to open their Day 21 Advent Calendar.