Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“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.”

Luke 2: 28-32

Over the last few days, we have celebrated Christmas with our immediate family and attended Christmas Eve services with some friends. The last of our family gatherings ended last night as our oldest son, his wife,w and Patrina’s Dad all left for their respective homes near Louisville. It’s been a good week, but what’s next?

I imagine Mary and Joseph might have asked the same question after the birth of Jesus. The miraculous birth took place. The shepherds visited and worshipped the newborn King, but now life with a newborn begins, right? As any parent can tell you, the excitement of the arrival can fade as the routine of caring for a new child can take its toll on new parents.

In the same way, this morning I’ve observed other people returning to the routine of their lives and some of them might also be asking what’s next. Is there any significance to this life?

Joseph and Mary would soon receive more reassurance about the task ahead of them from the words of Simeon as they presented their new Son in the temple.

Simeon noted three things in his brief song found in the verses above.

• He was an eyewitness to the Salvation promised by God.
• This salvation is God’s gift to all nations – a light to the Gentiles and..
• For the glory of the people of Israel – a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that “in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed (Genesis 22:18).

Christmas isn’t the end. The birth of Christ is only the beginning of Christ with us.