Session 16
Who is Jesus?
From A Celebration of Advent: A 25-Day Devotional
Christmas presses us all to answer the most important question: Who is Jesus?
“He took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, ‘Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.’” - Luke 2:28-32
In Luke 2, the Holy Spirit leads a righteous and devout man named Simeon to the temple on the day of Jesus’ circumcision. Simeon praises God for allowing him to see the promised Messiah, then says to Mary,
“....This child marks both the failure and
the recovery of many in Israel,
A figure misunderstood and contradicted—
the pain of a sword-thrust through you—
But the rejection will force honesty,
as God reveals who they really are” Luke 2:33-35, MSG
Simeon prophesies that Jesus will be “a figure misunderstood and contradicted.” Is Jesus misunderstood or is He Messiah? Is Jesus only a reason to decorate, gather friends, and feast? Or, Do we acknowledge Him as Savior of the world, Immanuel, Prince of Peace?
When we see Jesus as Savior, our perspective on Christmas changes. Buying presents becomes a reminder of God’s blessing instead of a burden. Gatherings go from obligations to opportunities to celebrate and reflect the gift of Jesus. When Jesus is at the center, every Christmas moment becomes an act of worship.
Reflect:
In Mark 8:29, Jesus asks Peter, "Who do you say I am?" How would you answer Jesus’ question? Who do you say He is?
What is one way you can put Jesus at the center of your day today?