{"id":261,"date":"2009-12-05T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2009-12-05T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/prayerplainandsimple\/2009\/12\/advent-prayer-day-7-embracing-jesus.html"},"modified":"2009-12-05T06:00:00","modified_gmt":"2009-12-05T06:00:00","slug":"advent-prayer-day-7-embracing-jesus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/prayerplainandsimple\/2009\/12\/advent-prayer-day-7-embracing-jesus.html","title":{"rendered":"Advent Prayer, Day 7: Embracing Jesus"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Claudia Mair Burney
\nSaturday, the first week of Advent<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on Him. It had been revealed by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took Him in His arms and praised God…” Luke 2:25-28<\/div>\n

<\/em>
\nThis story is often overlooked in the Christmas narrative, but its importance can’t be underestimated. Simeon was a just man who listened to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. God had promised this old, faithful servant would never see death until the Messiah was revealed. I’m certain the Mary and Joseph didn’t announce, “Hey, this is Him. He’s the One. You don’t even have to bless Him like these other babies. No, they arrived and did what all Jewish parents did. But there was something about the life and faith of Simeon that prepared Him for the special revelation he received. God rewarded him for His fidelity. When he took a child who looked so very ordinary in His arms, the Child revealed Who He was. Imagine what will happen in our lives when we live right and embrace Jesus.<\/p>\n

Beloved Consolation,
\nThe just man Simeon lived for You in a way that I only dream of. Help me to be as faithful as I can be. Your Holy Spirit rested upon Him. Let Your sweet Spirit hover around me, as in Creation the Spirit brooded upon the face of the waters. I open my arms, and my heart to you. Come into my embrace, dear infant Jesus. Reveal to me who You are, as You respond to my love and receptivity. And should You be so gracious to grant this favor, I will give you all the glory forever.
\n“Come, Lord Jesus.”<\/div>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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