“Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation…’” Luke 2:28-30a (NLT)
Have you ever wanted something so much that it consumed your thoughts? When I was young, my friend had a Cabbage Patch doll. I wanted my own Cabbage Patch doll so much I could hardly think of anything else. I studied the commercials like I would be tested on them later. I gazed at the boxed dolls at the store—that beautiful yarn hair, dimpled face, and snuggly body signed by Xavier.
Not having much money at the time, my parents bought me an imitation doll. I knew immediately she wasn’t the real thing; she had the yarn hair, but the face wasn’t dimpled and she certainly wasn’t signed by Xavier. I tried to love her but she wasn’t quite right. I thought if I pretended to love her, eventually I would. No matter how hard I tried, the doll didn’t measure up. A few months later, I unwrapped my first Cabbage Patch doll, a Christmas gift from my aunt and uncle. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Was I dreaming? Hugging her to me, my life felt complete.
Where is that coveted doll now? She’s hibernating in a box in the garage waiting to be given to (and eventually cast aside by) a granddaughter. The gift I thought I could not live without—the doll I thought would make my life complete—was forgotten in the end.
Simeon “was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” (Luke 2:25b-26 NLT) Simeon wanted more than anything to see the Messiah. He waited with anticipation, having received the promise that his greatest desire would be met before he died.
Do we have the same passion as Simeon? Do we want more than anything to see the Lord? Are we anticipating Christ’s return as much as Simeon anticipated the birth which brought salvation?
‘Thank You, Lord, for the salvation You provide through the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ. As we celebrate this Christmas season, may we want You more than any other gift. Our lives are complete in You alone.”
For His Glory
Tammy Randlett (http://staletoast.com)
TRBC Women’s Life
trbccoffeebreak 
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