Consolation

"He was waiting for the consolation of Israel," Luke 2:25.

Ever had a real strong feeling about something was going to happen? Well, Simeon heard the Holy Spirit promise he wouldn't die until he had seen God's Christ. [Sidebar: The Hebrew Bible, the Old Testament, ever points to a time when God would send his especially chosen man. In those days when they talked about a special choice, they said messiah, meaning christ, meaning anointed, depending on the language talked. Sidebar ends.] This special man would redeem Israel, enlighten all peoples, save all from the distress, console those waiting for him, and bring peace to all who pleased God. Jesus is about 6 weeks old (40 days, to be exact) when Simeon finds him, takes the infant in his arms, and says: This is him. The Christ of God. The consolation of Israel.

Touching bases with a brother or sister today, we remind each other of the hope Jesus brings despite distress. He pulls the yoke with us, forward to eternal life. So, consoled together, we give thanks.