Luke 2:30-31 - The Tragedy of Advent
The Tragedy of Advent
"For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples." (Luke 2:30-31, ESV)
In the fullness of time, God sent His Son to save us from our sins. Simeon declared this great salvation as seen in today’s Bible passage.
Prophetically, this world-changing event brought with it tragedy. Matthew 2:16-18 reports that Herod had all the male children, two years old or younger, killed in Bethlehem because he wanted to eliminate the future King.
In this special time of the Church Year, we tend to ignore this reality. Now, just as then, there are evil rulers whose selfish ambitions bring tragedy to many innocent children (and adults). Should this be a reason to not celebrate the birth of Christ? Absolutely not! Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that, “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”
The Advent season is a special time to share the Gospel just as it was for the shepherds who received the angelic message. Their response when seeing the Savior is given in Luke 2:17: “And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.”
The apostle Paul, who encountered much persecution, did not let it hinder his desire to share the Gospel, saying in 1 Corinthians 9:19b, “I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.” In verses 22-23, he restates the reason for his passion: “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel that I may share with them in its blessings.”
Lutheran Indian Ministries offers a unique opportunity to share the Gospel with Native Americans, just as the shepherds and Paul shared theirs. We will likely encounter opposition; however, in doing so, the people who receive Christ will be blessed and so will we!
Jesus, embolden us to share the Gospel and all its blessings wherever You lead us. In Your name we pray, Amen.
- Carl Burkhead, Lawrence, Kansas
Your gift to Lutheran Indian Ministries enables us to share Christ’s Kingdom with Every Native American Nation. The Advent season is a special time affirm your support of our mission.