Episode 53

For the past three weeks, I’ve been reading from The Gospel of Luke in honor of Christmas. I started by sharing the prequel to the beloved Christmas story, and I’ll end by reading about what happened when Jesus was 8 days old—the day Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to present their newborn to the Lord. That was the day they met Simeon.

As I look over the top of the computer screen in my office, I see a picture hanging on the wall of Simeon grinning in wonder at the babe cradled in his arms. The picture of Simeon as he literally holds the promise of God hangs between two graphics. One says Faith… is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see (Hebrews 11:1). The other says Believe… all things are possible if you believe. (Mark 9:23).

I strategically hung those reminders where I can see them at my writing desk so that I, like Simeon, will hold on to God’s promises, no matter how long I must wait.

I look at that gray-haired old man and say to myself… well, I’m not as old as Simeon, so it’s not too late for God.

Longing to Belong: Discovering the Joy of Acceptance is now available for purchase on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com, Booksamillion.com and Christianbook.com. It’s also available for download to your Kindle or from the Apple store for your iBooks app. Or visit my website to purchase a copy at shawnamariebryant.com

This week’s scripture: Luke 2:21-39