Looking for Christmas

25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss[a] your servant in peace.
30For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."

33The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then 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 that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

36There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[b] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Luke 2:25-38

It's Morning, Jesus
Do stir up in us today
a longing for consolation
a desire for redemption

"Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and cry to her that her warfare is ended, and her iniquity is pardoned." (Isaiah 40:1-2)

You, Lord Jesus, are the consolation of our hearts.

Today, Lord, my warfare is ended
I surrender all to you
I know longer try to have it my way
I seek your way and get in it
Today, Lord Jesus,
My iniquity is pardoned
When I tried to have it my way, I messed up
And in messing up I made a mess
But today, my iniquity is pardoned
You have bought me back.
Today I begin to live in your redemption.

Amen