Reflect on God With Us
21 When the eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus—the name given by the angel before he was conceived. 22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every firstborn male will be dedicated[j] to the Lord[k]) 24 and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons[l]).
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,
29 Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles[m]
and glory to your people Israel.
33 His father and mother[n] were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed[o]— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts[p] of many hearts may be revealed.”
36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,[q] 37 and was a widow for eighty-four years.[r] She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. 38 At that very moment,[s] she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.[t]
39 When they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.40 The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on him.
Luke 2:21-40
THOUGHT
These verses reveal a profound truth: God is always with us. From Jesus’ dedication in the temple to His interactions with Simeon and Anna, the Bible shows that God is never distant. He is present, active, and continually working in the lives of His followers.
“God with us” is more than just a title for Jesus; it expresses a profound truth and reality. Throughout both ordinary and extraordinary times, He is present. In moments of waiting and longing, as well as during quiet devotions and public worship, He is there. Jesus' birth shows us that God enters our world to walk alongside us.
REFLECTION
Reflecting on “God with us" reminds us that we are never truly alone. He is present throughout our lives, giving us strength during times of waiting and helping us meet our purpose. When we look to Jesus, we should recognize that this affirms the prophecy that God is with us. We must see Him as close, remembering that His presence continually shapes, anchors, and nurtures us.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to live always mindful of Your presence. Never let me neglect or forget it. Thank You for sending Jesus as our Savior, making reconciliation possible and allowing Your presence to be real in my life. I am grateful for the hope You give and Your ongoing work in me. Amen.
