The amazing promises given by God through the Angelic messages before and during the birth of Jesus promised peace, hope, and joy because the Messiah was coming.  Simeon knew something Mary wouldn’t understand until much later.  

Although many would turn to God because of Jesus, many would also reject him.  Simeon shared a brief glimpse of this in his prophetic message to Mary, and we will see this unfold through these 40 days ahead.  May we continue to be those who turn to God because of Jesus and through Jesus.

God, we can’t wrap our minds around the idea of rejecting Jesus; neither those who rejected him while he was here, nor during life today as we wait for his return.  But we know many still reject him, and 
many still reject the peace he brings.  Help us to know Jesus and his peace more each day, and guide
us as we introduce Jesus to others, and introduce them to the peace he gives. Amen.