Read Luke 2:25-32 Depending on how old you are, you may remember something called dial up internet. In the early days of the web, you would connect to the internet through a phone line. This was awesome to be able to get online from your home. The problem was, though, it was about 100 times slower than the internet we have now. I remember having to wait overnight while “Ice Ice Baby” downloaded before I could listen to it. The wait for something to load was excruciating at times, but there was so much excitement when something would finally appear on your screen. During the time Jesus was born, there was a man named Simeon who hung around the temple. He was waiting for the “consolation of Israel.” He was basically waiting for the comforting of his people. The Holy Spirit had told him that he wouldn’t pass away until he saw the birth of the Lord’s Messiah. When Simeon saw the baby Jesus, Simeon was overwhelmed and praised God. He knew this is the one that God had sent to comfort his people. Like Simeon, when someone truly encounters the real Jesus, they are moved. God sent His Son Jesus to earth to not only be the consolation of Israel, but to be comfort and joy for all people. Everyone from the wise men, shepherds, to Simeon were all moved in some way closer to God. Jesus came to give everyone a shot to get right with God. Jesus died on the cross to give everyone a chance at hope. Has Jesus being in your life moved your closer to God and what He wants? The best thing we can do this Christmas is to spend some time reigniting our relationship with God. Reflect Everyone in the Christmas story, from the wise men to the shepherds to even Simeon were all moved in some way closer to Jesus. In general, how would you rate how close you are in your relationship with God from 1 (I’m getting farther away from God) to (I’m getting closer to God)? Pray Ask God to help you to develop a closer relationship to Him today. // TWO-A-DAYS // GO A LITTLE FARTHER WITH YOUR DAILY DEVOTIONS // Go through these questions with your spouse, kids, or friend, or you can even journal about the answers to these questions:
- What was the best part of your day?
- What was the toughest part of your day?
- Where did you mess up today?
- Where did you see God today?
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