Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Into the Arms of Promise, Waiting with Open Hands

Bible Reading: Luke 2:21-33

Key verse: “Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” (Luke 2:25)


DEVOTION

Simeon waited for years with a promise in his heart. For years he lived in the tension between God’s word and the slow unfolding of time. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, the promise arrived as a small, breathing child.
God’s promises are spoken into history and then worked out in ordinary moments. What the world often overlooks, God uses. The temple scene reminds us that divine faithfulness does not always look like power; it often looks like presence.
Simeon’s waiting was active, not passive. He stayed attentive to the Spirit, kept showing up, and kept his hands ready to receive. Waiting becomes worship when it is shaped by expectancy rather than despair. Open hands are a posture of readiness—an admission that God’s timing, not ours, brings the true gift.
When the promise appears, it may be wrapped in simplicity. Simeon recognized salvation in a newborn and responded by embracing it. Our spiritual sight is sharpened by humility and prayer; we learn to see God’s work in small, tender forms.
After holding the child, Simeon spoke blessing and prophecy. Encountering God’s faithfulness transforms us into witnesses. The promises we receive are meant to be shared—spoken, lived, and passed on so others can also enter into the arms of promise.

PRAYER

Lord of promise, teach us to wait with open hands and expectant hearts. Help us recognize Your faithfulness when it comes quietly and give us courage to embrace what You place before us. Make us bearers of hope so that others may see and receive Your salvation. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“Faith does not consist in holding God’s hand, but in waiting with open hands for the gift He alone can give.”  Henri Nouwen

 Rev. Joel S. Thomas
Diocesan Secretary- North America Diocese

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