“For my eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:30).
As someone who can’t see, I’m fascinated by eyes. How they hone in on objects too far away to touch. Or lock on each other from across crowded rooms. Or, whether we want them to or not, display our hearts and express our thoughts
In the passages of Scripture that tell of Jesus’s birth, I am moved by the many pairs of eyes that gazed on Him, recognizing that they saw the unimaginable: God comes to Earth, the Savior of the world. There were the eyes of Joseph, who saw the growing belly of his fiancé, carrying a divinely-conceived child (Matthew 1:18–20). His eyes couldn’t help him see the truth, so an angel filled his vision in a dream to make clear that this child was indeed the salvation Israel had longingly sought (vv.20–23). Can you imagine his eyes beholding Jesus for the first time? As he obediently named his child Jesus (which carried the same meaning as Joshua, “God is salvation”), what wonder he must have felt at this thing God had done (v.25).
Then we have the eyes of the shepherds, likely going through the motions of another ordinary night watch until their vision was flooded with brightness and brilliant beings they had no category for. Telling them news they had to see for themselves: “Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11). And so they went and laid eyes on the baby King in the manger who was to save the world! Their joy overflowed to everyone around them and in praise to God (vv.15–18,20).
Then there was dear old Simeon, to whom the sight of Jesus, his salvation, was enough to satisfy his heart and ready him for eternal rest (vv.25–35). And Anna, whose eyes could have been filled with loneliness or desperation due to her years of widowhood. Instead, they were filled with the hope of God. Laying eyes on her salvation caused her to praise God and share with everyone how He would redeem Jerusalem (vv.37–38).
What about our eyes? The birth of Jesus is a story most of us have probably heard a billion times, but have we laid eyes on this truth recently? Are we skeptical like Joseph because our eyes are overwhelmed by things of the world that bring concern and seem greater than God’s power? Or, are our eyes like the shepherds’, focused myopically on our daily grind, needing a lifting to the glory and wonder of the Light of the World? If so, let’s pray to have the eyes of Simeon and Anna, who joyfully gazed at their salvation, praising God and telling the world about Him. Let’s take time to gaze on Jesus today. Remember He is God, who became a servant of all, for God’s glory and our good (Philippians 2:5–11). He let Himself be a helpless babe so you and I could know His love and have His help and salvation eternally. Let’s marvel at the mystery again: Jesus, the God of the universe, became an embryo for us.
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89 thoughts on "Jesus Is Born"
Thank you Jesus we love you ❤️
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I’m new to she reads truth and this was BEAUTIFUL ❤️ Lord, give me and my sisters eyes like Simeon & Anna!
What a great message!!!!
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Good message today!
Amen
Such a good message today!
I see myself like the shepherds – focused on what’s right in front of me. All the things I do to get through the day. May my eyes be opened to the wonders of Jesus!
“Jesus, the God of the universe, became an embryo for us” – mike drop!
You start by saying “As someone who can’t see…”, and yet you see so much! Your meditation showed me things I never “saw” before, seeing the Glory of God in events that occurred 2000 plus years ago, seeing them through your eyes of faith and understanding. Thank you!
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The question causing me to reflect most is, have I truly been seeing Jesus? Or have the worries of the world blinded me or at least blocked my view a bit. Wow.
Open the eyes of my heart Lord…
So much more than a story, but truth
I’m doing a 21-day fast for just this purpose. I want to truly SEE Jesus, not my image of who he might be.
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Amen
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Amen
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@Rhonda J. Love your story! As you know I struggle to see Gods plan when things aren’t going how I want too but can easily see the good once I’ve been through the storm. Love your testimony. @Mari praying your car situation resolved
Searching and Kelly (Neo)- I was thinking of ERB today too, I came across a screenshot of a very encouraging post she had for me last year when I was pregnant and wanted to look at it again for this pregnancy! GramsieSue thankful to hear of improvement for you grandbaby and daughter. Prayers for Steve.
Enjoyed this story.I pray we can all be like Simeon and Anna, and not let the surroundings of our life take away from truly seeing Jesus.
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Loved this reading today. I pray to be more like Simeon and Anna, as I feel more like Joseph with all that is going on in todays world.
Being pregnant myself now, I can relate to the mystery of how God made Jesus an embryo in Mary’s womb. It is an act that is beyond human’s control, nothing we do can help the embryo grow the way we want them to grow. Some may call it Nature, but I call it God’s miraculous hands showing us the intricate nature of who He is – He loved us to the core and every cell, literally. TYJ!
Gwineth, I hear my Southern Baptist grandmother’s voice when I see those words.
The Lord will justify for you as He did for Mary (Matthew 1:20). Let God defend your honor in front of other people. And when He does, people will know, truly truly you have got the word/the plan/the vision/the visit from God.
@Gramsiesue: praying for Steve, your daughter and baby.
@C. : praying for provision for your family.
@Rhonda J.: what an incredible journey. Please keep the stories coming. You’re incredible for stepping out and overcoming fear.
@Mari V: may the Lord provide you with a new beloved car ;) may He give you your heart’s desire. You never know. He loves you so much!
Reading about Simeon today, seeing the contentment of such a devout elderly man when he met with the baby Messiah for the first time (or the only time perhaps), he was so so content and well pleased. Godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6). This is another level of contentment that moved me, I want this in my life!! Be blessed dear sisters.
Until I read the story of Simeon today, I never caught this (emphasis is mine):Luke 2:25 “At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. THE HOLY SPIRIT was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the SPIRIT led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there.” that the HOLY SPIRIT is the one that lead Simeon to the temple and that Simeon had the Holy Spirit in him before the death of Christ. It leads me to wonder if the same wasn’t true for Anna?
I’m finding, between my studies with SRT and my studies with a minister friend of mine, new and enlightening items in the Bible. In my over 60 years of life, hearing Bible stories and when able to reading them these items never caught my eye. I’m loving it. God, Christ and the Holy Spirit are teaching something new everyday. You are NEVER too old to learn something new.
Be blessed and no matter your age remember you can always learn something new if you want to.
Other than Simeon and Anna, I think what most stood out to me is how Mary and Joseph followed God’s law with their own child. They didn’t think it was unnecessary for their child, the Messiah, to also be dedicated. They still went by the laws of the Lord. I think this shows not only how righteous and well-picked Mary and Joseph were to be the earthly parents to Jesus, but it’s another example of how Jesus represents how to live life here on this earth, obeying God’s laws.
Lord, I pray to be more like Simeon and Anna. To not be distracted by things of this world that seem impossible because with You everything is possible. To not be distracted by the routine and day-to-day. I pray to go into each day with childlike wonder and awe at who You are and what You did, sending a savior to us. Such awe that it makes obedience to You and Your laws a reflex, an exciting next step. I praise You and thank You.
The last sentence of this post really hit home for me. We have 2 wild little boys this side of heaven but recently lost our sweet little girl at 13 weeks pregnant. To some, an embryo well more so a fetus. We see how our sweet girl changed our family, our home, our marriage but she took her first breath in heaven. If one little human baby can change our lives this much; how much more can the God of the universe change our lives? As an embryo? A fetus? A baby? A boy? A teenager? A man? How can HE change my life? How is HE changing my life?
JENNIFER LOVES JESUS Since your word for the year is Wonder, I wondered if you had heard the song “I Wonder as I Wander Out Under the Sky” Might take a listen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF3zb4Hbmhk While I don’t comment often, I love reading your comments every day. Your words always touch my heart. Thanks
Today’s reading reminded me of the first line of Psalm 121: “I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from”… and it was a really big reminder for me to “lift my eyes” to the one who holds it all. I’m going through some really tough stuff right now and it’s so easy to just focus on what is happening in front of me. But lifting my eyes and putting my focus on the hope and mystery of Jesus… that’s where I need to be looking right now.
Praying for eyes to see the hope of Jesus in this dark world
Today’s reading and reflection remind me of a line from Seasons (which was on the Advent 2022 playlist!) – “you could’ve saved us in an instant, instead you sent a child”. I’ve been reflecting on it all Advent season and today brought it back up. What a beautiful thing that God gave us the extra time to be ready for our Saviour by sending us a baby instead of the full grown man and teacher he would be come.
I can’t hear the phrase “And there were shepherds” without thinking of a song we sang in high school at Christmas. It taught me the Luke 2:8-14 passage. It brought chills up my spine then as it built from a quiet whisper to crescendo into a shout of thanksgiving for God’s glory and fulfilled promise. It fills me with joy every time.
Lord keep my eyes up! Lift my heart up and give me faith like Simeon and Anna. Let my life reveal your love.
I always love with Mary & Joseph- immediately. They didnt wait. They obeyed right away. There was no questioning…just do what God says, do it now. I pray I would trust Him & obey right away!
Gwineth 52 and Taylor- thank you for your reminders of these beautiful old hymns that pointed us to Jesus.
Jennifer Loves Jesus-another beautiful prayer today. Love your analogy of the tree lights being like prayers. I share your sentiment of wanting to be a woman of reverence and humility toward God.
So many good points in today’s lesson about our eyes and what we choose to gaze at and focus on. I’m so thankful for the sense of sight and the ability to read God’s word and all the inspiring comments from my fellow SRT sisters.
@Michelle Patire. Thank you.. I too have know what it’s like not to have a vehicle. It happened to me two years ago and the good thing is I love to walk in so I would walk to work which was only a mile and a half from home. BUT It’s going to be rainy this entire week and possibly next
I enjoy these studies. I learn more and more with seeing new each time I read. I love the story of Simeon and Anna! Their stories are new to me.
I enjoy these studies. I learn more and more with a new cs
I am loving this narrative format already! As I read today’s scripture and comments, I am reminded of a message by Lisa Harper “Recovering the wonder of Christmas”. She uses the story of the shepherds from their perspective and it complement what we are reading. Praying that I can hold onto the wonder in the midst of the day to day… to not get caught lost in the busyness and forget to look up. Thank you for all the comments. Have a blessed day!
Good morning, dear She’s!
When I think about Ginny’s writing, mentioning the many pairs of eyes who saw our infant Savior, it makes me long for the day when MY pair of eyes will see Him too!
It’s hard to imagine, but I know that day will happen. I’m in my mid sixties, and I think about it more after each birthday.
Until then, I pray fervently another old hymn- “Let the circle be unbroken, by and by, Lord, by and by…”
I have many loved ones who do not yet call Him Lord.
BUT GOD, as Tina has taught us…
He is definitely Able!
I LOVE that scene with Simeon. Hope fulfilled.
38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. – Luke 2:38. My prayer today is to give thanks and seek Jesus like Anna
38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. – Luke 2:38. My prayer today is that I will
Jesus became a tiny, delicate, and helpless embryo, for us. So beautiful and overwhelming to dwell on!
I can’t help but read today’s reading and know the truth that Gods timing in perfect!!! Everyone involved knew (and believed) that this baby was Jesus!!! God is preparing your story just like Mary’s, Joseph’s, the shepherds, Simeon’s and Anna’s. What will you do when it comes time to praise God? Lord I pray that you give me eyes to see your work in my life and the courage to BOLDY profess your name and praise you in all circumstances! Amen!
One of my favorites. Thanks for reminding me.
Amen! These words are beautiful and moving.
Good Morning She’s!
It’s easy to SEE what the Lord, my Savior, has done in my life looking back! Not so easy to see in the midst of my suffering, sadness, anxiousness, and pleading. But now I have learned to look up. No problem is too big, nothing too little. He is a God of miracles. A Giver of strength and courage! As I look back over last year, I had begun the year fasting and asking God to use me for His good, and I see so many ways I was used by His leading. Not to boast but to share how good He is I wanted to share-
I was able to join a small group at my new church and met some new friends as we studied the Armor of God, I applied that study to let the Holy Spirit work in me as I focused on the Devil attacking my marriage, and that viewpoint (SEEING) has helped to stop the endless fighting that was happening.
During the summer I started going to serve the homeless with a small group from church. I was able to glean from the group how To SEE the homeless in a new way, also stepping out of my comfort zone to speak with them and pray aloud for them, and saying a benediction prayer for the group (way out of my comfort zone)!
After the hurricane hit I was able to SEE the need in my surrounding neighborhood and helped with cleaning, delivering food, and PRAYING with hands-on people! (no hesitation at this point!)
In another small group we just completed before Christmas “Jesus In Me,” the Lord again guided and grew me to step out once again. I was able to lead when our leader was gone. I was nervous and anxious, but it was growth and stepping out, as I went on to sub 2 more classes, and gained some connections that I would not otherwise have.
I participated in other serving areas as well and keep growing in my spiritual walk! Coming here every morning with you dear She’s, being in the Word and learning the bible is priceless! Jesus is first in my life, and I long to be with Him daily. I hope to See what He is guiding me to do this year, if it be small or big, or silent or loud..I am His, and He is mine.
Beautiful Taylor❤️
Ladies, thank you for sharing the old hymns and your wisdom.
We sit in the waiting…waiting for Jesus to return. But are we looking with expectation the way Simeon and Anna waited? I want to wait like they waited.
Madi and baby Jack are improving slowly. And I praise God for his hand in their healing.
Steve is struggling with pain. I know God has a perfect plan.
I want to keep my eyes on Jesus.
Hugs to all ❤️
Marveling again at how God’s plan is often very different than what I would expect…Mary, pregnant before marriage (likely looked down on by at least some who didn’t believe her), a saviors arrival proclaimed at birth (33 more years until the act of saving his people from their sins), a decree by a secular government ruler to fulfill prophecy…may we have eyes to see God at work.
I see the scripture. I see the promise of Gods mercy and love through his son in his words. The tricky part is to keep that image throughout the day. My eyes distract me from Gods perfect love. I find I fall into anger and resentment along the days journey. As I practice reading and seeing more and more of Gods word ..year after year I find I gain my way back to his presence.
Every day I pray for God to open my eyes to Him and His beautiful Word! I praise Him for all that He does, whether I can see it or not.
Will be pondering this perspective of what my eyes see and how that affects what my heart and mind process. Thank you GINNY.
KELLY (NEO) – thank you for mentioning ERB. I think of her often and miss her comments. Her enthusiasm was contagious! Praying she is ok and just not commenting.
KENZIE TRACY – wonderful choice!
BUTTONBERRY – looking forward to studying with you, “out loud” :)
MANDI D – praying for your son and for your family adjusting
GRAMSIESUE – praying for your new grandbaby, daughter and SIL
Amen!
Such a beautiful compilation! Praying to see the magnificence of God today and every day ❤️
From a person* that person was me! Lol. God bless you
@Mari V– prayers for you and your family. “One day at a time” – my best advice for a person who didn’t have a car for months at a time the past two years. God will get you through this. I pray it is an opportunity to be active in faith – trusting Him to provide all you need. May God give you peace that surpasses understanding :)
Wow! This was so good! Praying that the Lord opens my eyes to Him today and forever. Thank you everyone for all your prayers. Continuing to pray for all of you! I just love this little community and I’m so thankful to be apart of it ❤️
Jesus, the Eternal Son of God, took on human flesh and is born as a baby. Jesus, Immanuel, took on our humanity so He can sympathize with our weaknesses and we can identify with Him. Jesus, the Lord of all and the One who sustains all things, became a weak and helpless baby who was dependent on His parents to care for Him. The One who glorifies God and will one day be exalted by all is born in the most humble circumstances. He is born in a small town to an insignificant couple in a shelter for animals.
Jesus saves people from their sins. He is Immanuel, God with us. He is Messiah, the Lord. He gives glory to His Father and gives peace to the people He favors. He is the light of revelation to the Gentiles. He reveals His Father to Gentiles at this time; but one day, He will be the glory of Israel. He causes the fall and rise of many in Israel. Those who reject Him will fall to eternal damnation. However, those who accept Him will rise to eternal life. He is a sign that will be opposed. He is the sign of salvation that points people to the Father. He is opposed by the world and those who follow in its ways.
God is good
Another hymn that I thought of after today’s reading and devotion:
“O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free! Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.” <3
I'm being reminded in this season to look to Jesus to meet my daily needs. I pray I would have eyes to see and a heart to receive my daily bread from none other than Jesus. Have a blessed day everyone :)
Wow. Powerful.
❤️❤️❤️ Give me your eyes sweet Jesus to see as you see. How awesome would it be to look at others and see beyond the masks so many of us wear. To know when someone has needs that I can help with. To know their pain and be able to offer relief and comfort. Thanks SRT and all you She’s for the insight into God’s truth through His word. You gals are the best! ❤️❤️❤️
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“And all who heard it wondered…” (Luke 2:18, as the shepherds told of their glorious guidance to find the King in a manger). “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (v. 19) This is where I want to stay. In the wonder of the treasures Jesus brought down with Him from heaven. Salvation, light, love, mercy, hope… In the pondering of the power of His presence, this is my favorite place. I have become a year round Christmas girl, with a tree that’s been up for 3 years. Brett loves our tree and when I mentioned taking it down this year, he looked at me with sad eyes. I was thinking I should, reasoning that the lights keep burning out… but I do have some new string lights… As I look now at the bulbs still burning, they are like prayers already lifted, shining in the eyes of God. And the bulbs that are burned out are just prayers waiting to be said. Lighting up the darkness, one by one, prayers being lifted in faith, shining with hope. My wonder leads me back to the Nativity scene, and how the prophetess Anna served God faithfully as a widow for 84 years, and she saw the Messiah with her very eyes. She waited then, just as we wait now for Him to come again. Her faith is a treasure, and it inspires mine now. These women, Mary, Elizabeth, Anna, all beautiful pictures of humility and reverence to God. I want to be a woman like that. Lord, help me hold the wonder of Your love as I look to You for my daily needs. Give us this day our daily Bread, forgive us as we forgive others. Lead us and guide us, lift us and light up our way. Help us to see with spiritual eyes and pondering hearts turned toward You. Selah. Maranatha. Amen.
I pray that the “eyes of my heart may be enlightened…” (Eph. 1:18).
Today’s blog reminded me of a quote from last year’s Lent podcast. I can’t remember exactly how it went but it was something like “The purpose of Lent is not to cast our eyes downward on our sin. But upward, toward Christ.” May we all keep our eyes and hearts on Christ!
♥️ this will be stirring in my head today as well
I found it meaningful to reflect on this scripture during advent and again now- after the hustle and bustle of the celebrated holiday. I noticed how the shepherds returned “glorifying and praising God” because what they saw and heard aligned with what they had been told. I, too, get excited when there’s confirmation on what I thought I heard from the Holy Spirit.
What about Mary? Her eyes were definitely on Jesus.
Ladies, Ginny references Philippians 2: 5-11. I searched the Enduring Word commentary. This commentary gives so many ways in which Jesus humbled Himself. You may want to read the commentary and be more amazed at Him! Prayers for you all!
Good Morning She’s! Lord, I pray that my eyes would gaze upon You today and always. And I pray that my children would have eyes to see You, ears to hear You (not audibly) and a heart to love You! Amen.
Lord open our eyes to You today!
I am so thank fun that Jesus became flesh to save me because I I without His grace and mercy I would not be here today. I pray I have eyes like Simeon and Anna. To be thankful for the hope that Jesus brings daily to my life and to praise God joyfully for my salvation that I was not deserving of. I want eyes to see His glory and the boldness to tell the world, He is the redeemer!
I am so thank fun that Jesus became flesh to save me because I I without is
I do indeed “pray to have the eyes of Simeon and Anna, who joyfully gazed at their salvation, praising God and telling the world about Him. Let’s take time to gaze on Jesus today.”
May I reflect Your glory to those around me.
GRAMSIESUE – praying for your daughter and grandbaby’s recovery
VICTORIA E – any word from the doctor about your ultrasound?
ERB – hope you are still checking in with us and are doing well. ❤
Gwineth52- I love that old hymn, it reminds me of my grandma. She is about to be 93 and loves that hymn.
That song instantly transports me back to my childhood standing in the pew next to my mom listening to her voice as we sang that hymn; one of her favorites.
Oh GWINETH52, thank you for the reminder of that old hymn! I have not heard of sung it in a while.. BUT I shall be today. Thank you!❤
@GINNY OWENS, thank you for shining a different light on the familiar stories of Jesus’ birth. I have never thought of the ‘visits’ in the way you describe..
I get the feeling of awe from Joseph. The feeling of inquisitivity from the shepherds. I even get the feeling of ‘ our Savior has come’ from Simeone. I can for sure understand Anna’s feeling of praise and joy, when she saw baby Jesus at the temple, but ‘seeing’ from their perspective, and, at that time, when there had been much waiting and hoping upon hope that the Messiah would come, that the promised Saviour would come, that is something else.❤
“My eyes have seen your salvation.” ❤
Laying and resting my eyes on Jesus (the Truth) today, thankful for His love and presence in my mundane life, and making it promising in every way.
Thank you Jesus, thank you..
AMEN.
Happy Wednesday Shes! Always wrapped in love, hugs and prayers requested..❤❤
We sing that song at least one church service a month and I love it!
I’m looking toward the divine eye-opening downloads thats sure to be our reward as we delve into the life of our Savior, Lord, and conquering King
My Sister Shes…As I start this study on The Life of Jesus, a hymn is stirring in my head. An old fashioned one. A deceptively simple one. It’s called “I Love to Tell the Story”. The first verse:
“I love to tell the story
Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory,
Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story,
Because I know ’tis true;
It satisfies my longings
As nothing else can do.
I love to tell the story,
’Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story
of Jesus and His love.”
His story. Our song. He will accomplish what He has told us.
Have a wonder-filled Wednesday!