Watchword for the Month
“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations.” – Luke. 2v30-31
Shalom dear listener. I am Jeconiah Plaatjies, a retired minister of the Moravian Church in South Africa. It is a great honour to share this month of December’s devotion with you. The text for reflection comes from Luke 2:30-31. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations. Eighteen years ago I was blessed and privileged to hold my first grandchild in my arms. I felt my heart bursting with love and joy as I looked into the crumbled, angry face of this tiny perfect baby. I was in awe because she was indeed blessing of God Imagine, how Simeon, who was promised that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah, must have felt.
the Christ child. Yes, Jesus' parents brought Him to the temple, to present Him to God and to carry out the custom of the Law.
Simeon lifts up Jesus and prophecy's over His life. He declares what child this is: Jesus is the salvation of the whole world. Jesus was destined for greatness. He was destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel. This Child will be a sign that will be spoken against. This child will be the rescuer from enemies. He will be the source of knowledge, yes the source of knowledge about salvation. Jesus will be filled and led by the Holy Spirit in His ministry.
The Holy Spirit will rest on this child so that He can fulfil his ministry. And Simeon turned to Mary and said a sword will pierce your own soul too. In other words, this life of this child will not be easy. What child is this who would have such a great impact on the world. What child is this who will change our
lives for the better. What child is this who would give His life ultimately for us all. The prophet Isaiah confirms who this child is:
“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).
When we listen to the hymn: What child is this?
What child is this who laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
Chorus
This this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels
Haste haste to bring Him laud
The Babe the Son of Mary.
Then we realise that this Child, especially during the festive season, reminds us about love, about joy, about forgiveness, about hope, about peace, about sharing, about caring, about new beginnings, a new journey, a new life in Christ through whom we will experience the new heaven and new earth. Dear listener, while we cannot see Jesus physically, we can see and experience His presence through scripture, when we allow the word of God to wash over us; when we worship: when we spend time in His presence; when we do ministry: yes, when we share the love and saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and when we are salt and light. Yes when we share the light of Christ in the dark dark society, and also when we are salt to spice up the lives of others.
Oh my dear listener, we must also see Jesus in the lives of others. And others need to see Jesus in us. Yes, you need to see Jesus in me and I need to see Jesus in you. During this month of December, are we at peace as Simeon was when he saw Jesus? Are we at peace in His presence? Are we at peace and filled with His peace when we share it among others? When we talk about Jesus, do we share His love? His forgiveness? Do we instil hope? Simeon saw… We too see every day of our lives, the salvation of the Lord. And we live and experience it every day of our lives. May we be filled with hope as we reflect throughout this month of December! What Child is this? This Child is Christ the King! Amen!
Jeconiah Plaatjies