December 29, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 2:(22-32) 33-40

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 55:1-13; Luke 1:1-25

“...for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples…” (Luke 2:30-31)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

It is now the fifth day of Christmas, and what is it that you see? Do your eyes gaze on a tree that was once brimming with anticipation, gifts, and loved ones? But now does it feel like an empty shell? Do you look at your house, dormitory, or apartment and see emptiness where there was once the hustle and bustle of family gatherings? Or perhaps you look at a countertop that is stacked with papers, a reminder of everything you failed to do before the rush of Christmas Eve/Day? Our dear brother, Simeon, by the Holy Spirit was promised “consolation.” His eyes, like many others, looked at a temple that was bereft of the glory of God; the LORD’s weighty and splendid presence no longer there. But all of it changed that day when the blessed Mother arrived at the temple with the Holy Child, Jesus. “That’s the One,” the Spirit of God affirmed in Simeon. And it is here that Simeon sings a crucial song about his eyes, “My eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples.” What is it that Simeon’s eyes see? A temple with no glory? No. A life that is too old or far gone? No. What is it that Simeon sees? He sees the reason that he can be set free in peace. He sees the very light that will lift the nations out of darkness and idolatry. He sees the glory of Israel. He sees SALVATION! What is it that Simeon beholds in faith? Jesus. And that is all he needs. It’s no wonder that after we have beheld and tasted of Christ, through His Body and Blood in, with, and under the bread and wine, we Lutherans sing with Simeon his song! For with eyes of faith, the light of Christ has cast away our sin with forgiveness, our death with Life. The glory of Jesus has crowned us, so that we may be changed from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). So then, it is now the fifth day of Christmas, and what is it that you see? Promises upon promises fulfilled in Christ, that is what you see.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Christ Jesus brought this gift to me, My faithful Savior, Whom You have made my eyes to see By Your favor. Now I know He is my life, My friend when I am dying. (LSB 938:2)

Author: Rev. Matthew Synnott, associate pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Peoria, Illinois.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.