Open your Bible and read Luke 2.
Familiarity breeds apathy. I’m guilty of this. My relationship with Jesus Christ is 40 years old, and I admit many Christmases have passed without an ounce of awe or wonder or stirring in my heart. A pastor says, “Luke 2”, and my response is, “I know this.”
We must fight this indifference to the Greatest Story Ever Told. Spiritual lethargy is an overcomable enemy!
Today’s reading provides us with invaluable inspiration.
Take Simeon, for example. Remember that God had been silent for 400 years. Yet Simeon was “devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel (Luke 2:25, ESV)…”
If you hadn’t heard from God or seen evidence of His work in the world for 400 years, would you still be actively serving Him, eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of His Word?
Simeon’s devotion is remarkable. How did he stay so enthusiastic about the Lord when nothing had changed for so long?
From Simeon’s response to meeting Jesus, we can see that he had cultivated a heart of worship and he knew God’s Word well. That takes time and effort. It’s clear from the text that Simeon’s communion with the Holy Spirit was a continual thing. (See v. 25-27.) He had a close relationship with God.
I wonder if our aloofness about the story in Luke 2 is a sign of distance. God promised in James 4:8 that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.
If the Christmas story feels far away and irrelevant to you this year, perhaps it’s time to step a little closer, dig a little deeper, and revive that childlike anticipation of the miraculous.
Ever since I heard this song, the passage about Anna the prophetess has inspired me, too.
If you find yourself dull to the story of the birth of Christ today, take one step closer to the manger by praying about it.
Lord God, I admit I feel indifferent about this familiar passage. But I know it’s miraculous and powerful and life-changing. Open my eyes to see the wonder in it again, and draw me closer to You. Remind me of Your amazing promises, and give me a sense of eager anticipation of their fulfillment. As I wait, help me to serve You faithfully.
