What do you see at Christmas?

Christmas 2009! What do we see? Family? Lights? Decorations? Presents? Food? The hustle and bustle? I wonder if what we see at Christmas reflects something of who we are.

Each Christmas I am drawn to the story of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35). Simeon, we are told, was a righteous and devout man. He was, and had been, waiting for Israel's Messiah. In fact, God had promised Simeon that he would not die until he saw Messiah. At the prompting of the Holy Spirit, Simeon made his way to the temple courts that day. There God fulfilled his promise to Simeon. But what jumps out at me is what Simeon saw. There was much to distract Simeon that day. The temple, we need to understand, was an immensely busy place. It was the economic, political, educational, and religious center of Jewish life. With all the activity, noise, and crowds, I can only liken it to a shopping mall during the holidays. Added to all that, Simeon encounters a joyful, excited couple coming to dedicate their newborn son. Yet, despite the commotion and the joy of a new baby, I can't cease to be amazed at what Simeon saw. Luke records that Simeon took baby Jesus in his arms and said:

Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel. (2:29-32)

Did you catch that? Simeon, that first Christmas, saw salvation! He didn't simply see a new baby or the joy of the new parents or the hustle and bustle of the temple activity. All the distractions did not cloud his vision. He saw salvation itself. He saw the Messiah who would redeem not only Israel, but all people.

I have to ask myself, "What do I see at Christmas?" It is easy to get caught up in all the good things at Christmas and let them be a distraction. Family, friends, gifts, decorations, the Christmas rush, and even religious activities can keep us from seeing what we should be seeing this time of year. We should be seeing what Simeon saw . . . God's salvation. Perhaps we let the distractions cloud our vision because our characters are not like the character of Simeon. Perhaps righteous, devout people who are eagerly waiting and looking for the ultimate salvation of God's people with the return of Messiah are the ones who are in the best position to see what we should be seeing at Christmas. What do you see this time of year?

Merry Christmas! Enjoy and celebrate this holiday to the fullest. Enjoy your family, the food, the gifts, the decorations, and the joy. But through it all, don't miss seeing salvation.