After Advent – Don’t Pack Jesus Away

Sermon Title: Don’t Pack Jesus Away – Gifts that Keep Giving

Good News Statement: God has given us a gift that keeps on giving

Summary: When Jesus was born, God gave us a powerful reminder that the gifts we receive at Christmas are more than gifts but something that stays with us.

Preached: Sunday, December 28^th, 2025 at Dogwood Prairie UMC & Seed Chapel UMC

Pastor Daniel G. Skelton, M.Div.

 

Scripture (NRSVUE): Luke 2:22-35 Today’s scripture reading comes from the Gospel of Luke who introduces us to a man named Simeon who not only presents the new born Christ to the Lord, but reveals him to all people. May the hearing and understanding of this scripture add a blessing to your life.

 

Jesus Is Presented in the Temple

²² When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord ²³ (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), ²⁴ and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. ²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.^[a] 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon^[b] came into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the law, ²⁸ Simeon^[c] took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

²⁹ “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word,
³⁰ for my eyes have seen your salvation,
³¹     which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
³² a light for revelation to the gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”

³³ And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed ³⁵ so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul, too.”

This is the Word of God for the People of God; And all God’s people said, “Thanks be to God.”

 

 

Introduction:

The announcement has been made, Mary has given birth to her firstborn son and has wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger. The  heavenly host of angels have sung, “Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favors” (Luke 2:14). The shepherds have received “good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10), they have traveled to Bethlehem to witness what took place, and they shared with Mary, before “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20), news that she treasured and pondered in her heart (Luke 2:19). Christ has been born, in the city of David, to a people that need to be changed and saved. To commemorate that special day, a few days ago, the Christ Candle was lit. This candle is more than just a symbol of hope, peace, joy, and love: it represents a source of light that no amount of darkness can prevail nor cover. Through this Candle, Christ has entered our life: “And the Word became flesh and lived among us…” (John 1:14).[1] We must not wait to find ways to keep his light shining as we enter a New Year through what we do and what we say because the gift and light we received on Christmas are the gifts that keep on going.

Today, is the last Sunday of December. Not only is it the last Sunday of December, but it is the last Sunday before we welcome in the New Year. Some of you are excited to put 2025 on the shelf and move on, possibly saying “Good riddance”. Others of you may want to hang on to 2025 because it was the best year of your life. And yet, others of us may be on the fence on what to do with 2025: there were some really good moments that we want to carry into 2026 but at the same time not all of 2025 needs to travel with us into the New Year.

I understand where you are. Like some of you, I have experienced the grief and immense sadness of losing a friend and loved ones. I have endured pain and suffering and unanswered prayers. I have faced challenges and have been defeated. I have tried things that didn’t work. I have taken risks that probably shouldn’t have been taken. I have said “yes” to things that I probably should have said “no” to. But on the other hand, I have, like many of you, experienced moments of joy and happiness. I have spent time with family and friends. I have laughed so hard that I began to cry. I have created so many memories—good memories—that I want to cherish forever—place them in a lockbox so that I will never forget about them.

Every year comes with mixed emotions, good times and bad times, moments we want to cherish and moments we want to forget. But today, before we say “good-bye to 2025 and hello to 2026,” I want to remind you of the gifts of Christmas that don’t stop giving on December 31^st but keep going into the New Year so that no matter what 2026 looks like, we have something to cherish. So, I ask you today, out of all the gifts you received for Christmas, which gift was actually something more than what was hidden under some wrapping paper and a festive bow?

 

Body:

Every Christmas, we receive gifts that we really want, gifts that we didn’t want but actually needed, gifts that we never thought about, gifts not on our Christmas List, and gifts that we question. Christmas is about giving—God gave us His one and only Son, born in a humble stable; and on this last Sunday of December, I invite you to think about the gifts you didn’t give but instead the gifts you received. And I encourage you to ask yourself, “What does this gift mean to me?” Let me begin by reminding us of the gifts that God has given us through Jesus Christ during this Advent Season.

Through Christ, we were giving hope. Hope is more than wishful thinking. Hope is more than dreaming. And hope is more than a single word. Hope is a prayer. Hope is what is needed to change our life. Hope began our Advent Season because we expect to be filled with the hope of God as we anticipated to witness the salvation of Christ lying in a manger in the small town of Bethlehem surrounded by all people from all walks of life. Hope is what inspires us to echo the words of the Prophet Isaiah and Mary, the mother of Jesus, at a time when hope was lost: “Here am I.” Hope is what allows us to find ourselves at the manger scene and then at the cross and then leaving the empty tomb. Hope is realizing that you need God in your life. Hope is what allows you to hear God, to obey God, and to trust in God. The hope that we are given at Christmas is a hope that keeps on giving because we always need hope.

Through Christ, we are gifted the gift of peace. It’s through peace that we are set free from the things that keep us from getting to the manger scene.[2] The peace of Christmas is what helps us pause, breathe, sit, and enjoy the Christmas season for what it ought to be and not what we want it to be. We need peace in our life. We need the Prince of Peace to go with us. We need the peace of Christ to not only be given to us but to live within us. We need the peace that passes all understanding to grant us enough wisdom to realize that we need to slow down. The peace that is promised to all the earth, by the angels, is the very peace that changes our life. The peace that we are given at Christmas is a peace that keeps on giving because we always need a little peace.

Through Christ, we have been given the gift of joy. Tradition suggests that the third Sunday of Advent is known as “Gaudete Sunday,” which is Latin for “rejoice,” and symbolizes the joy that the shepherds felt when they heard about the birth of Jesus, which is why it is sometimes called the “Shepherd’s Candle.” From this candle, we are reminded of what it means to accept and live out the joy of the new born king. During Advent, we are gifted the joy of Christ down in our heart as a reminder, as the Psalmist notes, “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:5). We have received a joy that conquers the darkness and pain of the day so that we can experience a new day and feel the blessings of Christ. The joy that we are given at Christmas is a joy that keeps on giving because we always need a little more joy.

Through Christ, we are given the perpetual gift of love. This love came down at Christmas. This love is our hope. This love is our peace. This love is our joy. This love is more than something we say: it’s something that we feel, show, and give to others. This love is Jesus Christ. And Jesus Christ, our source of love, has come to change the world and to save us. The Apostle Paul tells us that “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). This kind of love was, is, and always will be found in the stable and not always in the Inn. The love that we are given at Christmas is a love that keeps on giving because we always need a more love.

Finally, God gave us His one and only Son, born of a virgin and destined to die on a cross. God’s son is named Jesus, which means “one who saves.” Jesus saves us from our sins. He forgives us of our trespasses. He loves us unconditionally. He walks with us through the valley of death. He understands our pains, our sadness, our sorrow, and our doubts. He blesses us with joy, happiness, and praise. He knows our name. Jesus is our hope, our peace, our joy, and our love. He shines continually in our life: “a lamp for our feet, a light on our path” (Psalm 119:105). He is the light of the world that we are called to carry.

What God gave us is a gift that keeps on going. Hope didn’t end when the last package was opened on Christmas. Peace didn’t end when all the wrapping paper was gathered up. Joy didn’t end when the last person fell asleep. Love didn’t end after the family left the table. And Christ didn’t disappear when the lights turned off. What we receive on Christmas are gifts that keep on going because they mean more than what we realize. They actually reveal how we are going to need Jesus after Christmas. We see this in the story of Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus to Simeon in the Jerusalem Temple.

 

Movement One: Mary, Joseph, and Simeon…

Today’s passage shows Mary and Joseph bringing their child to the Jerusalem Temple. This would have been at least 33 days after the circumcision of their child on the 8^th day (cf. Leviticus 12:1-8). In presenting their child at the Jerusalem Temple they are offering sacrifices as a form of prayer and dedication of their child.

Luke notes the parents do not offer the required lamb sacrifice but the exception to the poor of doves and pigeons. Obviously, Mary and Joseph had not received the gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) of the Magi yet. So, they gave what they could. This event was like any other, with likely other families dedicating their child on that same day. But maybe they didn’t expect God to respond so quickly as He did, confirming that God did, indeed, have plans for Jesus – plans to accomplish the incredible rescue God had prepared. It’s profound, really. Mary and Joseph present Jesus to the Lord. And the Lord gives him right back as a Savior, a gift He’d prepared from eternity past. However, the uniqueness of this event was a man waiting to see the Christ child.

The man waiting is Simeon. His name comes from Hebrew “shema,” which means to “listen and obey;” or “Yahweh has heard” (Gen 29:33). The word “shema” is seen in the name of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Sarah’s slave, Hagar. Luke tells us a little more. Simeon was righteous and devout; Simeon looked forward to Israel’s consolation; and Simeon was filled with and guided by the Holy Spirit. Simeon had been waiting for comfort and pardon and the end of warfare with God. Now, seeing the God-infant, Jesus, he knew that his wait was over.[3] He could die in peace, having seen the Christ and trusting that the promised salvation had arrived. But more than that, “Simeon (could) entrust himself to death, knowing that life and immortality (had) been brought to light through the gospel.”[4] With the arrival of Jesus, death would not be the end of the story for God’s people.

But just as certainly as Jesus’ arrival meant the coming of comfort for God’s people—and the realization that Christ’s arrival meant Simeon’s departure—Simeon also understood that Jesus’ arrival meant conflict—painful conflict, conflict in which there is no open, middle ground. This is a difficult truth to embrace. But Simeon understood one important thing: that Jesus came to divide as much as to save. What Simeon understands is that Jesus was revealed to reveal. He reveals our hearts because when we encounter Jesus, he always draws out a response. Jesus is being revealed because what Jesus has been called to do extends beyond a single day, beyond a humble stable, beyond an insignificant town. What Jesus has been called to do, is provide gifts that keep on going.[5]

Personally, I’m convicted by Simeon. There are many times when I am impatient and would likely rush God’s timing or worse, attempt to solve circumstances with human solutions. I ignore the peace of Christmas. I feel as if I don’t wait for a response to come from God. I don’t have words of praise or even a hope filled with the light of revelation. In contrast, Simeon was a man of prayer, patience and persistence in following the Holy Spirit’s leadership in his life. One of my prayers for the New Year is to become more like Simeon in listening for the voice of God—in Scripture and in circumstances—to respond to his response for my life.

Maybe, something similar is on your New Year’s to do list? Maybe you are seeking ways to better listen to what God is calling you to do? Maybe God has been presenting you with different situations this past year that are building up for a change in 2026? Maybe 2026 is the year of waiting, having patience, and being persistent? Maybe 2026 is the year where you do more listening than acting on selfish ambitions? Simeon is more than a simple character in the story of Jesus’ upbringing. Simeon is a representation of who God needs us to be: the one who reveals Christ to the people by helping them remember the gifts that they have been given. Simeon saw Jesus over a month after his birth, and even from the time Jesus was born to the day of being presented in the temple, Jesus never lost what was given to him which means that what he was given over 2,000 years ago still exists today. What Simeon experienced in the temple is what we experience today. The gifts of Christmas are gifts that keep on going, keep revealing who is and what Jesus does in our life. Let’s dive a little deeper into this text by asking ourselves “What Child is this?”

 

Movement Two: What Child is This?

Although Simeon is a simple character, and only makes an appearance in this portion of the Gospel of Luke, he is an important figure in the story of Christ because it is he who presents Jesus to the service of God. Simeon, like Zechariah and John the Baptist, waited for his moment of glory, and once he received it he understood the power of God’s workings in his life. Essentially, he realized that the One revealed comes from the One who doesn’t break promises, who doesn’t ignore prayers, and who has a response to our situations if we wait and lean on him. As important as Simeon is to the story, understanding who this child is that is presented is more important. From our Scripture passage, we can sort of answer the question proposed by William Chatterton Dix, “What child is this?”

First, Luke 2:21 states, “When the eighth day came, it was time to circumcise the child, and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” There are many others who have had the name Joshua (Yeshua) which is Jesus in Hebrew in the Bible. For example, Joshua, a follower of Moses, is the one who leads the people around the city of Jericho until the walls came tumbling down. When Jesus is put before the people prior to his crucifixion, we read from Matthew 27:16-17, “At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Jesus Barabbas. So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’” Although there are other “Joshuas” and “Jesuses” in the Bible, there is only one Savior. Salvation is found in no one else beyond Jesus (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). It is at the name of Jesus that trees clap their branches and mountains will bow in worship to their Creator, wind and waves will obey His word, demons will be defeated, evil will end, and disease and death will become extinct. There is power in the name of Jesus! There is power when we reveal his name. The name of Jesus, even after the day of his birth, is a gift that keeps on giving because of what is does in our life: it saves us.

Second, Luke 2:22-24 suggests that the child, Jesus, is the human son to poor parents: “[Mary and Joseph] brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord…and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.’” Mary and Joseph simply offered what they could afford, similar to how we give to the Lord with what we can. In the presence of Christ, we are called to give what we have and not what we don’t have. There’s a lesson there, but what I hope you take to heart is that Jesus, the Word made flesh, came to dwell among us as a human, who was raised by two poor individuals. He will identify and empathize with us in every way (cf. Philippians 2:4-7; Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus takes on flesh and will endure the problems and pains of this world, just like us. He understands sorrow and grief over the death of a parent and loved ones, the hurts of friends, the heartache of rejection of enemies and supposed friends, and the agony of unjust mistreatment and murder. The incarnation reminds us God cares for every person and every problem in our life. Jesus is with you every step of the way. Jesus didn’t stay in the stable for ever: he goes with you wherever you go. The gift of Christmas keeps giving because Jesus is always on the move, always being presented.

Third, Luke 2:25-26 highlights that the child, Jesus, presented to Simeon, is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Luke writes, “Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” The Holy Spirit was revealed to Simeon, and through this revelation Simeon would have more than likely recalled scriptures from past Prophets: Prophets such as Isaiah and Zechariah.

Isaiah wrote, “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us, authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Great will be his authority, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom….” (Isaiah 9:6-7). A few chapters later, Isaiah stated in 11:1, “A shoot shall come from the stump of Jesse.” And Zechariah noted, God Himself, in the person of the Messiah, will come to earth and people “will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son” (Zechariah 12:10, NIV).

Jesus is the one promised from ages past, all throughout the Scriptures with every story whispering His name. He’s the greater Moses to lead God’s people into the eternal Promised Land. He’s the greater king to rule with righteousness and will never leave the throne. He’s the great high priest who offers the perfect and final sacrifice for sin with His own body. Jesus is the fulfillment of all the Old Testament heroes and prophecies. The birth of Jesus reminds us we can bank on God to keep promises; and these promises extend way beyond Christmas Day. The foretold birth of Christ is retold every year because it is a story that we need to be reminded of so that we can better understand what it means to carry the story of Christ’s birth in our heart. Christ’s birth was foretold, is told, and will continue to be told because what took place on that silent and holy night is a gift that keeps on giving.

Fourth, Luke 2:31 stated, “which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples….” Jesus is the Jewish Messiah to rescue captive Israel and redeem contrary Gentiles. He would save all peoples from every nation, tribe, and tongue (Revelation 5:9-10).[6] This is probably why the Shepherds were told by the angel, “I will bring you good news of great joy for all the people” and why we read at the end of Matthew’s Gospel, “Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the a name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18-20).

It’s in the temple that Jesus is revealed to all people. It’s in the church that Jesus is revealed to all people. It’s in your heart that Jesus is revealed to you and to all people. It’s in the world by which Jesus should be revealed to all people. But how well have we done that? Have there been opportunities in your life (and within the church’s life) by which you missed the chance to reveal Jesus to someone? And what I mean by that is to simply tell someone about Jesus and to act like Jesus. The gifts of Christ during Christmas are not meant to be packed away with the Christmas lights, the ornaments, the Christmas tree, the outdoor décor, the indoor decorations, or even placed in the cookie tins when Christmas comes to a close. The gifts of Christ are meant to be revealed, to keep giving you and others hope, peace, joy, and love throughout your days. Jesus is revealed to all people because all people continually need Jesus. So don’t pack him away with your Christmas decorations.

Fifth, Luke reminds us, “And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed…’” (Luke 2:33-34). Simeon prophesied the destiny of Jesus to be “the fall and rise of many…a sign that is opposed.” (These are words that not even the angel Gabriel tells Mary upon her becoming “with child” [Luke 2:5].) In other words, one’s reception or refutation of Jesus will cause their eternal separation. The wheat will be separated from the chaff (Matthew 13:24-30); the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:32); the faithful servant from the unfaithful (Matthew 24-25). The reality of prophesied rejection of the Christ reminds us we have one audience to please and not to fear man greater than God.

The New Year will come with challenges, struggles, defeats, and doubt, pain, and sorrow; but it will also come with joy, happiness, cheerfulness, successes, new beginnings, and restoration. But in all things, we must not let ourselves oppose the one who is with us through everything, the one as Paul notes, “holds all things together” (Colossians 1:17). Jesus is with us in our falling and rising. He is with us in the bad and good times. He is with us in all moments of life. How will you, in 2026, remind yourself that Jesus is not one to be opposed but is one to call upon? Will you pray more? Get involved in the church? Get involved in a Bible Study? Create opportunities to gather with others outside of Sunday mornings? Read scripture more? Find ways to start new ministries or projects within the church? How will you keep Jesus part of your daily life? Jesus gives us the gifts of Christmas so that we don’t oppose him; but trust in him every day. His presence is the gift that keeps on giving.

Sixth and lastly, Luke informs us, while still conversing with Mary, “…so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul, too” (Luke 2:35). (Again not foretold by the angel.) Mary’s heart was pierced when she saw her son suffering and dying on a cross.  Mary had unimaginable sorrow and the disciples had undeniable disappointment. Yet, their mourning would be overturned at the marvel of the resurrection. The cross of Jesus reminds us that our faith path is along the road of suffering with great hope of redemption.

Simply put, Simeon knew that the child he was holding would one day die for our transgressions, be pierced and wounded on our behalf, so that we may be set free: free to realize that Christ was born and died for you, me, and all people. Our suffering and disappointments will expire but the trust and faith found in the message on the cross will never expire. As a matter of fact, it will continually be revealed within us, within you, if and only if you don’t give up on what Jesus has laid upon your heart. Simeon waited his entire life, just like Zechariah and Elizabeth and Abraham and Sarah and Hannah waited their entire life to have a child, to reveal the promise and hope of God’s son. What took place at the stable leads us to the cross. The birth of Christ alludes to his death, but also helps us understand every day we are living with the birth and death of Christ in our heart. The “sword” that will pierce Mary pierces us too. The gifts of Christmas reveal to us what we need today so that we can face tomorrow.

What took place at the temple, several days after the birth of Jesus Christ, is what Christ needs us to do. He is calling us to not only present  who he is, like Simeon did, but to reveal who he is—like the Shepherds did on that first Christmas night. This simple story about a man who waited his entire life to bless Jesus Christ provides us some interesting things to consider as we prepare ourselves for the New Year. As followers of Christ and members of his Church, our challenge for 2026 is to find ways to reveal who Jesus is and what Jesus does. We are to reveal the power of his name, reveal him to as many people as possible, reveal that he is here to stay, reveal that he is not only divine by human as well, and reveal to yourself how much you need him in your life. That’s a powerful list, but I know you can and we can do all these things and so much more in 2026. If you really think about it, what Simeon does in the temple, revealing Jesus to all people, is what Jesus does throughout our life. He reveals himself to us through the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love. The birth of Christ is more than a baby being born: it is a gift that keeps on giving and going. Advent extends beyond December. Christmas is longer than a day. And the story of Jesus is for eternity. There is more to the gifts of Christmas than we realize so don’t pack Jesus away.

 

Movement Three: Beyond the Gifts…

To bring this all together, I want to share with you something personal. Christmas is the season of giving. Sure, we create lists with items on them in which we want to receive; but ultimately, Christmas is the season where we should be more apt to give than to receive or as Jesus told his disciples, “serve rather than be served.” However, sometimes that gets lost in translation this time of year with everything going on, with the millions of ads catching our attention, and with deals and sales appearing around every corner. Because of this, I hope you realize how meaningful and special it is to give.

Dogwood Prairie: Last year, Emily and I received a beautiful Santa decorated pitcher and set of mugs. The pitcher and set of mugs was originally gifted to someone at this church, who received it from a great friend, before that friend passed away.  As Emily and I were slowly unboxing and displaying Christmas decorations around the house, we were looking for the perfect place to display this gift. We decided to display it on our new dining room hutch. And as we are setting it up, we both began to realize something: this gift is more than a pitcher and set of mugs, painted with Santa and from Hallmark: this gift represents stories, a legacy, a sense of love, memories, joy, a little sadness, and a friendship. Do you have any gifts like that in your life?

Throughout my years of life, I have received many gifts that have turned out to be more than something wrapped up in a box. In 2005, I received a house key to the new house my family was building: unlocking a new start in life. That same year I received a set of bongos: the very instrument that began my passion for music. During my life I have received multiple sets of Legos that have created a bonding opportunity between myself, my siblings, and my nephews. In junior high, I unwrapped my very own catcher’s mitt that I still have today and can be seen from time to time when Emily and I are tossing the ball around in the yard before our arms get sore. A few years ago, I was gifted back some of the things that I gave my grandma for Christmas, like this ornament.

We all have been given gifts that have turned out to be more than a simple gift. Some of those gifts may not be seen all the time, but they aren’t forgotten. Some of those gifts are seasonal and only make an appearance for a few weeks of the year. Some of those gifts have been around for generations with hopes of passing them on to the next generation. We have all been given gifts that have turned out to be more than something material. As a matter of fact, those gifts are cloaked in memories, of love, of having a special place in your heart.

The pitcher and set of mugs that Emily and I received last year, represent, as a reminder, of all those gifts that have changed our life in some way, that have given us hope, that have been given out of love, and that have perpetually reminded us of what Christmas is all about. Sometimes the gifts we give and receive represent more than what we initially see: they represent something that can’t be wrapped, are cherished in our heart, reveal what we need in life, and can’t be packed away. As the Grinch reminds us every year, “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas means a little bit more.”

What God gave us, through is Son, are gifts that truly do mean a little bit more. The gift that came down on Christmas is the gift, like some of the items we have received, is something that keeps giving and going well beyond the Christmas season.

 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, through the story of Simeon, we called to reveal Jesus in our life, we are called to reveal Jesus to all people, we are called to reveal Jesus in all places, and we are called to reveal Jesus in such a way that reminds us of the gifts that he has given us. These gifts—hope, peace, joy, love, forgiveness, grace, and salvation—are more than gifts placed under a tree. As a matter of fact, they are gifts that go way beyond a single day: they live within us, changing us, and saving us. The gifts we received on Christmas are more than simple gifts: they give us purpose in life. What Christmas gift have you received that has meant something special to you?

Simeon saw Jesus over a month after his birth, and even from the time Jesus was born to the day of being presented in the temple, Jesus never lost what was given to him which means that what he was given over 2,000 years ago still exists today. What Simeon experienced in the temple is what we experience today. The gifts of Christmas are gifts that keep on going. And to remind us of that, we have been given the light of Christ that shines in us, through us, and round us. That light is a gift that lights the way before us. The gifts that we have received are sparkles of light in our life. Let the gifts of Christmas continually bring you hope, peace, joy, and love. Christmas Day has come and gone; but its meaning and gifts are still living on.

Let it be so…

 

Closing Prayer:

Let us pray: Dear God, we are your people. We are here to reveal who Jesus is and what Jesus is calling our church to do for all people. I pray that you guide and bless all those here  in such a way that brings them closer to you as your light shines within them and as they cherish the gifts of Christmas in their heart. In your precious name we pray, Amen.

 

Benediction:

Christmas Day is over, the New Year is on the horizon, and a fresh start is right before you. How are you going to live out the gifts of Christmas today and in 2026? Do me a favor: don’t pack Jesus away with your Christmas decorations. Rather, keep him in your heart. May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; and May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26). In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit go forth seeking ways to reveal Jesus Christ in 2026. And all God’s people said, Amen. Amen. Amen.

 

Happy New Year Everyone!

 

 

[1] With Christ now fully present in our life, we must not wait to reveal who Christ is to us. We must not wait to reveal who Christ is to our church. We must not wait to reveal what Christ is calling us to do. We must not wait to find ways to keep his light shining as we enter a New Year: a year filled with accomplishments, successes and failures, joy and pain, new beginnings and restarts, and good news and doubt. We must not wait to pass along the “good news of great joy to all people” through what we do and what we say because the gift and light we received on Christmas are the gifts that keep on going.

[2] If we don’t allow ourselves to experience peace, then we will be asking the same question that the disciples of John the Baptist asked Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew because we have lost sight of who Jesus is: they asked, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” (Matthew 11:3).

[3] He found Jesus just as the disciples of John the Baptist found Jesus. (Or, maybe Jesus found them…)

[4] https://www.gracefv.com/sermons/sermon/2013-12-29/luke-2:22-35—revealed-to-reveal

[5] We hear Simeon’s response in the form of a song in Luke 2:29-32: “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

[6] Gentiles are no longer outsiders but are brought near by the blood of Jesus, and His grace reconciles human divisions (Ephesians 2:12-13).