Read: Luke 2:22-35
And a sword will pierce through your own soul also. (v. 35)
When Joseph and Mary brought Jesus into the temple to fulfill the requirements of the Law, old Simeon was waiting for them. Spirit-directed and Spirit-inspired, Simeon prophesied over the infant. But it was a mixed and somber message. Simeon expressed joy for the dawning of the light of Israel’s (and the world’s) hope, but he also foresaw trouble ahead. The child would bring salvation, to be sure; he would also provoke division. And Mary herself would experience piercing pain and sorrow in connection with her son’s mission.
Those who celebrate Christmas with the whole Bible in mind can’t help but think about where the story is headed. There’s plenty of rejoicing today, but suffering is just on the horizon. Nothing captures that aspect of Christmas better than the traditional English carol “The Holly and the Ivy.”
The Holly bears a berry, / As red as any blood; . . .
The Holly bears a prickle, / As sharp as any thorn; . . .
The Holly bears a bark, / As bitter as any gall; . . .
The carol’s refrain paints a medieval Christmas scene—chasing deer at sunrise, and organ music and sweet singing in church. But the verses point to the holly’s red berries, sharp prickles, and bitter bark; in other words, blood, thorns, and gall—the cross, and the cost of our salvation.
As you pray, thank Jesus for coming to pay the price for your redemption.
Listen along: The Holly and the Ivy – George Winston, The Holly and the Ivy – USC Thornton Concert Choir
About the Author
Rev. Dave Bast retired as the President and Broadcast Minister of Words of Hope in January 2017, after 23 years with the ministry. Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America. He is the author of several devotional books. A graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, he has also studied at both the Fuller and Calvin seminaries. Dave and his wife, Betty Jo, have four children and four grandchildren. Dave enjoys reading, growing tomatoes, and avidly follows the Detroit Tigers.
