When you are presented with the truth of Christ’s birth, God’s declaration of who he is, the testimony of his miracles and ministry, and his own self-testimony, you cannot be neutral about Jesus.

The Fault Line of Jesus

When Mary and Joseph took young Jesus to the temple, they didn’t know that Simeon, a righteous man, would be waiting there for him. The Holy Spirit had told Simeon that he would not die before he saw the “Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2:26). Simeon took Jesus in his arms. What an amazing scene. Imagine being chosen by God to hold the young Messiah in your arms! As he held Jesus, Simeon spoke these words:

Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,

     according to your word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation

     that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

     and for glory to your people Israel. (Luke 2:29–32)

After Simeon spoke his words of blessing, worship, and prophecy, he turned to Mary and said, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34–35).

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