Marvel

In the early part of Luke’s gospel account, we find an account of Joseph and Mary presenting (dedicating) Jesus to the Lord. Stepfather and mother thanking God and following Jewish custom. As they do, a righteous and devout man named Simeon speaks words of blessing over the Child.

Luke 2:29-32 (NIV)
“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.”

Simeon praises God for the opportunity for his aged eyes to see the Savior.

Next in his writing, Luke shares the response of Joseph and Mary.

Luke 2:33 (NIV)
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

Go back and read that again.

Joseph and Mary, two people who received direct visitation and instructions from angels, mind you, marvel. They marvel at Simeon’s words about their son.

There is a funny thing about marveling; it often decreases as we grow more familiar with something. If you live in Alaska like me, do you continue to marvel at the beauty of our state or have you stopped looking? Do you still find joy in seeing wild animals within the city limits? Do the Northern Lights thrill you?

For some people, the Christmas story (the gospel, not the movie) has become less than a marvel-worthy event. They’ve heard it so many times that they no longer ponder its mysteries and grow excited with its implications.

During this Christmas, remember to marvel. To help you with that, read the amazing words of the prophet Isaiah written some 700 years before the birth of Jesus.

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Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
    will accomplish this.

That happened on Christmas! Spend some time in a state of marvel.

#ordinarylives