Daily Dose of the Word of God - Luke 2: 33-35 Artwork

Elmhurst CRC

Welcome to Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church! Here you will find the audio version of the messages from the weekend services taught by Pastor Gregg DeMey and Pastor Jeff Klein with occasional guest pastors, as well as our weekday devotionals. We hope you enjoy the messages and are encouraged by God’s Word.

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Elmhurst CRC

Daily Dose of the Word of God - Luke 2: 33-35

December 23, 2024 • Kara Hackert • Season 1 • Episode 769

Kara Hackert, Director of Children & Family Ministries

Kara Hackert 0:10

Welcome to Elmhurst CRC's Daily Dose of the Word of God. It's Tuesday, December 24 during this Advent season. I'm Kara Hackert and this morning I'm reading to you from Luke 2, verses 33 through 35.

Kara Hackert 0:25

The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign they'll be spoken against so the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed and a sword will pierce your soul too."

Kara Hackert 0:45

The scripture passage presents a powerful moment in the nativity story where Simeon - a righteous man filled the Holy Spirit - encounters the baby Jesus and talks about his future - showing both the joy and the suffering that will be in his life and recognizing the deep pain of his mother, Mary. This passage serves as areminder that following Jesus comes with both great blessing and significant sacrifice, urging us to embrace the full truth of his mission, even when it's hard.

Kara Hackert 1:18

A devotional I read from Heart Light Devotionals said this: "Jesus came to force us to decide. He came as Lord, not as a sweet do-gooder or pal. Only when we surrender our hearts to Him as Lord, does he become our friend and brother. There's no middle ground. He's not just a good guy come to do good things and to make good people happy. He is Savior, Lord and King. All pretenders and their lackeys opposed him. Our Joy was Mary's pain. Our victory was Jesus' agony. Our hope was God's sacrifice."

Kara Hackert 2:01

So let Simeon's words remind you that you must make a decision about this Jesus. There's no middle ground or middle emotion.

Kara Hackert 2:10
Let's pray together. Give us the courage, oh Lord God, to choose Jesus completely. We want him to be our Lord, as well as our Savior, our King, as well as our friend, our Master, as well as our brother. Thank you for the gift of sending him to save us and help us to prepare our hearts and welcome him in all glory and honor to you, amen. Merry Christmas, friends.