By Rachael and Bernie Muluuta, training for ministry in Kampala, Uganda.
Read Luke 2:25-32
Have you ever had to call the emergency services? The minutes before they arrive are a nerve-wracking wait. Yet, when the sirens and flashing blue lights turn up there is a palpable sense of relief, and, if the problem is resolved, then peace prevails.
Something similar happened in the days of Caesar Augustus. A righteous man, Simeon, had been told through the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Lord’s Christ. When the child, Jesus, was brought into the temple by his parents, Simeon knew this was who he’d been waiting for. And what a response it yielded from him – spontaneous, heart-felt thanksgiving and a readiness to die in peace. Why? Because God had kept his word. In the person of Jesus, Simeon had seen God’s salvation.
It’s usually a serious occasion that necessitates calling the emergency services. In Uganda, you could be left waiting for very many anxious hours (rather than minutes). All too often, the police have no money to fuel their cars, ambulances aren’t available and the traffic in Kampala is at a standstill for eons. Yet, however serious the situation may be, it is nothing compared to our state before God without the promise of salvation.
God’s promised rescue effected in the life and death of Jesus Christ is available and accessible to all. Whatever your situation this Christmas – loneliness or welcome company, discord or unity, financial worries or a positive bank balance, a burnt or succulent turkey – surely a restored relationship with the God of the universe who knows each one of us intimately is worth spontaneously breaking into praise and worship for?
What will elicit praise and worship from you this Christmas?
Father, we praise you for sending your Son as our Saviour that first Christmas. May we wait for Jesus’ second appearing with hope, assured that you are a God who keeps your word. Like Simeon, may we rest peacefully knowing that we have received, and will one day receive in full, the salvation achieved through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Bonus: Listen to ‘Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus’ by Red Mountain Music)