THIS CHILD

Today's reading: Luke 1-2

"Joseph and Mary were amazed at what was being said about Jesus. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing..." Luke 2:33-34 NLT

Imagine standing there and receiving a blessing from this old sage.

I can see his headful of gray hair, his flowing dark robe, his withered hands reaching out to touch baby Jesus.

I can hear his faltering voice grow louder as he prays over this small family.

I can imagine Mary's smile beaming as a new mother's should...

Until it came to the part about her little one being rejected.

Who in the world would, or could, reject her bundle of joy?

This little one who had brought such joy since his arrival?

This tiny wonder?

This innocent?

This perfect little boy?

Well, I'm sure she was thinking to herself, they'll be the ones missing out.

And they are--aren't they?

We all know ones whose lives are completely unraveling because they are choosing to 'pass' on Jesus.

We cannot believe they disregard His forgiveness.

We don't understand how they can turn their backs on His love.

It will be their undoing, and it breaks our hearts--like it did Mary's.