The Christmas story seems so peaceful and silent night-ish. A baby is born and laid in a manger. But this was no ordinary birth and no ordinary baby. The old prophet Simeon noted that this child would cause the rise and fall of many.

Luke 2:34-35
And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

After the birth of Jesus, Mary was required to wait forty days before going to the temple to offer a sacrifice for her purification. Mary and Joseph’s sacrifice of birds instead of a lamb is an indication of their poverty (Luke 2:24). From Mary’s “scandalous” pregnancy to Jesus’ birth in the place where animals were kept to his upbringing in a poor family, the Father stripped every royal privilege from his Son.

There was a “righteous and devout” man named Simeon at the temple. He was waiting for the coming Messiah. When Simeon saw Jesus, he took the baby in his arms and broke out in praise. Simeon called Jesus “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” He noted that Jesus would cause the “fall and rising of many in Israel.” As the only way to God, many would believe and be saved, and many would reject Jesus and be separated from God forever.

Then Simeon added a hard truth. He told Mary, “And a sword will pierce through your own soul also.” With the baby Jesus only forty days old, Simeon prepared Mary for her newborn’s sufferings and death. Mary, too, would suffer as she watched Jesus go through the pain of rejection and the agony of the cross. The reminder of suffering surrounded Jesus from the first days of his life. He suffered so we could be healed spiritually and healed eternally.

Father, as we celebrate Christmas, don’t let us forget the mission of Jesus. You sent your Son to pay the penalty for my sin. Don’t let me get so busy with the festivities of Christmas that I miss your purpose for Christmas. In Jesus’ name. Amen.