See The Salvation of The Lord
Mary “brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Lk. 2:7) This was not just an ordinary baby. This baby was the Seed of God; the Son of God; He was God. He was born of the Virgin, Mary. Jesus had left the splendor of Heaven and came into His own creation (Jn. 1:1-3; 14 & Col. 1:16&17). He made the animals that may have stood near Him in that stable. He created the tree that his cradle was made from. He made the materials from which His clothes were woven. How? …By His spoken Word (Gen. 1). Jesus, the Word, had become flesh. This was Emmanuel, God with us (Is. 7:14).
It was no wonder that the angel of God must make this Saviour known. He came to the shepherds and herald, “…Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Lk. 2:10-12). Even at this proclamation, we read that a multitude of the heavenly host praised God saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (v.13) Angels speak only what God speaks (Ps. 103:20). God says that through this child, Jesus, peace is available for you and me. God’s heart is good-willed (Jn. 3:16).
The shepherds knew that they must go and see for themselves this “Saviour, which is Christ the Lord”; this anointed One, Who would minister salvation to all who would believe upon Him. Salvation is the word “sozo” which means healing, wholeness, provision, peace, joy – “abundant life” (Jn. 10:10). They purposed to see Jesus (Lk. 2:15); and when they had seen Him (v.16&17), they told the story to people everywhere they went. It had been prophesied that a child would be born and His name would be called “Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Is. 9:6) Peace is the word “Shalom,” which means prosperity, quietness, and rest; once again, “abundant life.”
A man named Simeon was waiting for the “consolation of Israel” (the Comforter, which was to come to Israel – parakleesin. Parakleesin is the Holy Spirit, Who comforts; Who takes hold together with to help. The Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ. The same Spirit led him to the temple to see Him. The Bible says that Simeon lifted up Jesus, Who was only eight days old; yet, He had no beginning. Simeon worshipped God in heaven and God is his arms. Simeon then prayed, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou has prepared before the face of all people: A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people.” (Lk. 2:30-32)
I trust that you too, have seen salvation, the Saviour of the World, Jesus. The same Parakleesin (the Holy Spirit) that led Simeon to Jesus and comforted him concerning his eternity is the same Parakleesin that has come to minister to you and to me. The shepherds saw Jesus and declared him to others. Anna saw the baby Jesus and declared Him to those who desired to see the Lord’s salvation (v.38). Simeon saw Him, embraced Him, and was prepared to see death because of Him. I implore you to see Jesus by faith, and you too, can depart this life in peace seeing Jesus face to face (Rom. 10:9&10). You are not alone. The Parakleesin is here to minister salvation, comfort, and direction to you.