Too Soon?

Imagine the wait for Israel before the incarnation.

They waited for their Messiah through 400 years of Scriptural silence. They had a promise, so they waited. Through wars, peace, atrocities, and celebrations, they waited. They grew anxious and some lost hope. Year after year, they endured. 

Then someone came into the temple.

And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” (Luke 2:22-24 ESV)

One waiting believer was driven to the same place at the same time. He, like his fathers before him, had patiently looked forward for the anointed one of God to arrive.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. (Luke 2:25-26 ESV)

The two met. The one who had awaited the arrival of God - incarnated to deliver his people - and God himself - incarnated to deliver his people. The glory of the Lord had finally returned to the temple of God after departing in the days of Ezekiel. 

The time was fulfilled. The kingdom of God was at hand. And Simeon knew it!

And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God (Luke 2:27-28 ESV)

When I put up Christmas decorations prior to Halloween, some look at me and say: "Too soon!" I disagree. The Savior's arrival has happened in space (geography) and time. God-eternal, broke into our temporal timeline and gave us hope for life eternal. Unlike Israel, who had to wait for Christmas, we may celebrate the arrival of the Jesus at any time. In fact we ought to!

Join with Simeon and sing:

“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 ESV)

The temporal wonder of Christmas rang an eternal bell. Its peal is heard throughout the world at all times. Emmanuel! God is with us! Rejoice! We, too, may see salvation!

Let the celebration begin and never end. Celebrate the Christ Mass now, and never let rejoicing cease! We are not on the waiting end of history, we are on the receiving end!

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “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 2:33-35)

Read more about this in an article on New Growth Press by clicking --> here <--