“For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
Luke 2:30-32 NIV
Filled With Wisdom
Despite the extreme heat, at 7 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 1927 – Canada’s 60th birthday – sirens, church bells and even explosions kicked off a huge celebration in Barrie, Ontario. Enormous crowds poured into and filled the town for three days of activities, sports and music to commemorate the country’s diamond jubilee. Not surprising, the parade was the highlight of the celebration. Comprised of about 50 floats, scout packs, school children, five bands, the Simcoe Foresters, lodges, decorated cars, bicycles and clowns, the parade stretched from well out of Blake Street into the downtown.
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Another year comes to an end at midnight tonight. We are on the doorstep of 2026, with all of the hope that a new year brings. These markers of time, that include things like birthdays and anniversaries, should cause us, who are followers of Jesus, to take time for self-inspection, seeking the wisdom that God promises as we face the unknown of another year. When Jesus was brought to the Temple for His dedication, godly old Simeon looked to a future beyond this life. He had the certainty of that new and eternal life because it is what God had promised. In Luke 2:30-32, we read his words: “’For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.’” As Simeon faced his future, he trusted the God who had been faithful to keep His promises. 2026 is just hours away, and we can trust the God of Simeon to keep His promises for us, as we move forward with confidence into this new year.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley