Mine Eyes Have Seen

Luke 2:25-33

 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.  

I love these scriptures.  I saw a painting several years ago, must have been about six or seven years ago, depicting Simeon holding baby Jesus in his arms.  It was very moving.  

I had never thought of these scriptures as being a part of the Christmas story until then. Simeon declared "mine eyes have seen thy salvation" and  that's just the point of Christmas, and why we celebrate.  Salvation, Jesus, had come.  And just as Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men all knew it, so did Simeon.

Praying you have seen His Salvation.

Merry Christmas!