Dying in peace

​1-4-22
As we approach Epiphany and the end of the Christmas season, we continue to look at those mentioned in the Christmas account by Saint Luke. Today we look at Luke 2:26-28 "Simeon took the baby Jesus up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel."
We all know that death is waiting for all of us unless the Lord returns first. We cannot stop death. But what we cannot do, the Lord did. He sent His own Son, His Christ, into human flesh as a living, vulnerable baby. Simeon rejoiced to see Him, and so should we because that baby is the One who actually did something about death—who grew up to overcome sin, death, and the devil—those enemies of the human race. He did it through His own personal suffering and death. By laying down His life for us, He set us free from the power of death. And by taking up His life again forever, He gave us that same everlasting, joyful life.
 Please pray with me; Lord, thank you for overcoming death so that I am now able to find comfort knowing that my earthly death is not the end but only the beginning of my eternal life with you. Amen.