Read: Luke 1:39-2:40; Matthew 1:18-25
When Mary walked into Elizabeth’s house the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leapt for joy and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She started prophesying over Mary and ended with “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” She knew this was not the case for her husband. Because he refused to believe he was speechless. When he named John, his tongue was loosed and he began to prophesy over his son. He told him that he would be called the prophet of the Most High because he would prepare the way for the Lord.
Next, we have the story of the birth of Jesus. I used to wonder what was so special about Mary that she was chosen. Then I understood that we are all like Mary. God comes to each of us and asks if they will carry his son, Jesus in our womb. It is our choice. When we agree then he implants the seed of Jesus and gives us three gifts to help us: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Gold is wisdom which is gained by our experiences we have in life. Frankincense is what gives us free access to the throne which is the Holy Spirit. Frankincense also soothes anxiety and promotes healing. Myrrh is used during death and it is to help us die to ourselves and come forth smelling like heaven. He also gives us his son which is growing inside and he is the Word incarnate. How can we lose?
This time I read this story I saw Simeon like I had never seen him before. Here was a devout Jew, an ordinary man who loved God and his promises and had spent his life in expectation of the Messiah. Because he was eagerly looking for Christ, he was able to identify him, hold him, and bless him. God visits all who expectantly wait for him.
Lord, help us to access everything you have given us to walk a life pleasing to you.
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