Consolation

Psalm 94:19 When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.

It's true, this season is a time of joy. But the burdens of life don't go away because someone says, "Merry Christmas." We are all heavy laden with the cares of the world, but we have a consolation.

Luke 2:25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

Simeon like all of the Old Testament prophets knew that a man would come to be their consolation, the Savior. When he met Jesus, God revealed to him that this indeed was the Savior, the consolation of Israel. And he said,

Luke 2:29-32 Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.

Knowing this Christ has come to be our consolation, we can have great joy!

Philippians 2:1-2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

These passages and their connections were brought to my attention as a great reminder that we can still be "occupied with joy" (Ecclesiastes 5:20).