Author: Loring Schultz

Christian Devotional Writer
Bible Studies

“Simeon’s Song-Nunc Dimittis” 5 Songs of Hope for Advent

Loring Schultz

“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.” Luke 2:29-32 ESV

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We have come to our 5th and final song of hope for advent. Yes, Christmas is over, but this song takes place after the birth of Christ, some 40 days later. The first male child born to a Jewish couple was to be dedicated to the Lord as required by the Law of Moses. Joseph and Mary, being devout Jews, brought Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem for this purpose. Mary had to wait 40 days until her purification period was over before she could go to the Temple, and she would also go to offer a sacrifice for her purification.

“And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord’) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.’” (Lk.2:22-24 esv)

Mary and Joseph made the 6-mile trip from Bethlehem to Jerusalem to offer a sacrifice of two turtledoves or two pigeons which shows the poverty of this young couple, the earthly parents of the Christ-child. This should serve as a reminder to us that Jesus left His heavenly home to come to earth, giving up the luxuries of heaven to live in the lower class of society. We can be sure Jesus understands the plight of the poor in today’s world and cares about them.

The gospel writer Luke introduces us to Simeon in Luke 2:25-26. All we know about him is what is written in these two verses. He is mentioned nowhere else in Scripture. “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. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” (Lk.2:25-26 esv)

Presumably Simeon was an elderly man. He was a righteous man who was waiting for the consolation of Israel (the comfort the Messiah would bring to the people at his coming). Scripture says the Holy Spirit was upon him and given special insight that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. One could imagine Simeon going to the Temple every day thinking maybe this will be the day. Finally, the day came when Mary and Joseph entered the Temple area. “….and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, (Simeon) took him up in his arms and blessed God….” (Lk.2:27-28 esv)

Simeon’s song begins, “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.” (Lk2:29-32 esv)

Simeon’s words here are known as “Nunc Dimittis” the Latin Vulgate translation meaning “You now dismiss.” It is a New Testament hymn celebrating God’s salvation. Simeon was holding in his arms the one who would redeem Israel from their sins and not only Israel but of every nation, tongue, and tribe.  Simeon didn’t need to see anything more; he saw God’s promised Messiah. He didn’t desire to live any longer, God rewarded Simeon for his faithfulness. Perhaps there are some things we would like to see before the Lord calls us home. The Lord’s arm is not too short that he cannot reach down and grant that request. But our focus is to be righteous and devout as Simeon. We may be surprised at all the Lord will reveal to us before we leave this earth.

Simeon now focuses his attention on Mary and Joseph and blesses them. “And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.’” (Lk.2:34-35 esv) Christ will raise up those who believe in Him, but He will be a stumbling block to those who disbelieve. Simeon’s blessing included a hard truth for Mary. A cost will come to her as Mary will suffer deep anguish at her Son’s rejection and crucifixion. What was going through Mary’s mind at this point? We don’t know, and we don’t know how many times she thought about this during Jesus’ years on earth as she watched Him grow up and become a man. Mary certainly knew that the prophecy had to come to pass. Yes, it was a hard truth.

Simeon is joined by Anna, a prophetess 84 years old, who begins to give thanks to God and tells everyone around her waiting for the Messiah that He is here. “And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Lk.2:38 esv)

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Simeon’s song “Nunc Dimittis” closes these 5 songs of hope for advent, and what better song can we end with but the hope (assurance) of our salvation. We can sing with Simeon, “……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.”

Read: Luke 2:22-38 ESV – Jesus Presented at the Temple – And – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

Blessings for the Nations in 2025

Loring Schultz

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” Psalm 33:12, Proverbs 14:34 NIV

Photo by Moritz Knöringer on Unsplash

The year 2024 is rapidly coming to an end and a New Year is about to start unfolding. None of us know what will be unpacked in 2025 regarding the nations of the world. Presidents, Prime Ministers, and all government officials across the globe would like insight into what the New Year has is store for the world and more importantly for their country. Looking back at 2024 most nations of the world have good reason not to be optimistic, but there are some who see the light at the end of the 2024 tunnel.

The United States is one nation who is looking to shed some of the chaos caused by policies from the current administration. Over half of the country see that light getting brighter in the days ahead of the New Year, but there are many citizens who do not share that optimism. Other countries in the world are experiencing the same situation as 2025 is just a few days away. Will the New Year bring in with it opportunities to dissolve differences, negotiate peace, and for their homeland to be secure and prosperous?

The desire to live in peace, kindness, free from hostilities, being prosperous, and live in a nation that is blessed is only fulfilled in one way. Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” (niv) Most nations in the world today, if not all, are anti-God, even the United States. America’s roots are found in the Scriptures and a belief in the God who created the heavens and the earth, but the roots are slowly being pulled up. The Bible which was key in the country’s founding also says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” (Pr.14:34 niv) Perhaps no explanation is needed except we here in the United States and other nations across the world need a blessing.

Scripture is clear. Blessings for every nation are possible in 2025. When nations recognize and honor God, living and governing in righteousness, God will be true to His Word and bless the nations. There is no other way!

Devotionals

God’s Sovereignty: The book of Daniel, a book of encouragement

Loring Schultz

“….. the Most High God rules over the kingdoms of the world and appoints anyone he desires to rule over them.” Daniel 5:21b NLT

Photo by Ben Burkhardt on Unsplash

Webster’s New World dictionary defines ‘sovereignty’ as, “the status, rule, etc. of a sovereign (above all others), supreme and independent political authority.” There is only one sovereign, the Lord God, and one book in the Bible that describes it as none other is the Old Testament book of Daniel. The book ‘Daniel’ was written 2,500 years ago describing the events of that day with many similarities to our day.

God was in control with the state of His people living in a foreign land after being carried off to Babylon during the destruction of Jerusalem. Although they were there due to their sin, God did not forget them but worked out His purposes and shown His sovereignty through them. Christians today living in oppressed countries against Christianity face the same circumstances as the Jews living in Babylon. But God still shows His sovereignty in the events of nations including our own.

The book of Daniel is an encouragement for all believers who find themselves in uncomfortable situations in knowing the Lord God put us there, whether due to our sin or not. He is in control, God is sovereign. Indeed, God controls the events of lives and the status of the nations today and into the future. We as Christians need not worry how things will turn out in our individual lives or in world affairs. God has it planned, and it will turn out for our good as He is in control.

God’s sovereignty is on display in Daniel’s writing bringing us encouragement for the future. Daniel was a prophet who also wrote the words of Lord God concerning what we call today ‘the end times.’ We may not be able to understand it all, but it is good news for all who trust God and have accepted His Son as savior. Yes, God is in control, and He is sovereign. The book of Daniel is a book of encouragement for every believer. I encourage you to read through it with the Holy Spirit’s guidance and see how God’s sovereignty is working in your life.

Devotionals

Look to God in Your Time of Need

Loring Schultz

“The LORD helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.” Psalm 145: 14-16 NLT

Photo by TI NGUYEN on Unsplash

You may have heard of the theological term ‘common grace’ and wondered of its meaning. Simply put, common grace is God’s blessings bestowed upon every person regardless of whether one is a believer or unbeliever. Blessings in nature of abundant rain or sunshine. Blessings of divine providence in near misses of dangerous storms or potential accidents. Blessings of food sources given to us from our creator, and the advances in modern technology and medical treatment are a blessing given to every individual. It is undeserved grace given to everyone. It is common grace.

David writing in the 145th Psalm of praise includes a thought or two about God’s common grace. God helps those who have fallen. He helps those with heavy burdens. His eye is always on us providing the food we need. If God grants common grace for all in time of need, how much more will He do so for believers. The apostle John wrote, “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” (1Jn.5:14-15 nlt)

We should all be in the habit of continually going to God in all things. There will come a time when we have a need, usually when we least expect it. It is in these days of sudden confusion when we feel helpless that most of us look to God. What a blessing it is to have the confidence that He hears and will answer according to His will. And what a blessing it is to know God bestows more than common grace to His children to ask Him. Continue to look to God in your in time of need, and your next time of need when you least expect it.

Devotionals

God With Us

Loring Schultz

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” Matthew 1:23 ESV

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There are many religions in the world today. Most of them serve and worship a god in some form or another. Others see this world as all there is and see themselves as gods. Most religions work towards entrance into the afterlife, whatever that looks like even though they can’t be sure if they’ll make it. There is only religion that I know of where God came to be with us and made it possible for us to be with Him forever in the afterlife.  That religion, if you allow me to use the term, is Christianity.

The gospel writer Matthew quotes from Isaiah the prophet concerning the birth of Christ. “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Is.7:14 kjv) Matthew confirms the meaning of ‘Immanuel’ as ‘God with us.’ Christianity is also the only religion where God is a ‘triune God,’ three persons in one. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Three in one. God the Son, Jesus Christ, left His heavenly glories to be with us and take on sin at the cross of Calvary. The apostle Paul says it best, “(Jesus) emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Ph.2:7-8 esv)

No other religion on earth has a God who came down to rescue sinners paying the penalty for their sins against Him. But Christ did just that, and like John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (kjv) God’s plan of salvation is spelled out for us in the Bible, and it started with God with us. Christ came to us on Christmas. If you haven’t gone to Him for salvation what better day is there than today! It will be a Merry Christmas!!

Devotionals

First Christmas Eve

Loring Schultz

“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah,
From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2 NASB

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Many families have Christmas Eve traditions they keep year after year. Some go by the wayside over the years, being replaced by new ones for the next generation and so on. There are fond memories of that first Christmas Eve you can remember as a child. Memories of the first Christmas Eve you had with your spouse or that special loved one are not forgotten. Baby’s first Christmas is cemented in your mind, along with so many memories of the ‘first’ Christmas Eve occurring during special events in your life. Memories are good for the soul and should be cherished, and remembering the first Christmas Eve, that very first Christmas Eve 2,000 years ago, should be cherished most of all.

Mary and Joseph had their baby’s first Christmas cemented in their minds. Their baby, Jesus, was Christmas. He was the Christ-child who came into the world. Jesus would save His people from their sins. It would be a Christmas Eve they would never forget. It began days before as Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem under orders from Caesar Augustus to register in their hometown for taxation. Mary, about to give birth, had the ride of her life on a donkey which she would never forget. Joseph scrambling to find a place to stay in an overcrowded small town would make for good conversation years down the road. Their accommodation for the night would be a memory they both would like to have forgotten, but I’m sure they didn’t.

While we think back and treasure our memories of a special Christmas Eve, a special Christmas Eve long ago was remembered by two willing servants of God who trusted Him in the birth of His Son. Over the years those memories for Mary and Joseph grew sweeter and sweeter, covering any smell of a dirty stable that night. For the Son of God, the savior, was born that night. That first Christmas Eve was a night to remember.

Devotionals

A Light in Winter 

Loring Schultz

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:5 NLT

Photo by John Nail on Pexels.com

The winter solstice arrived here in the northern hemisphere this past weekend on Saturday, December 21, at 4:20 AM EST. It is the day with the shortest amount of daylight. For those who dread shorter daylight hours and the winter season, there is good news, from this day forward the days will be getting longer. The winter solstice has been celebrated for centuries in various forms influenced by pagan festivals.

The three most famous are Saturnalia in ancient Rome, the Norse Yule traditions from Scandinavia from where we get our ‘yule log,’ and the celebrations of the Druids. Winter solstice celebrations are still held all over the world. Some follow the early pagan festivals, and others adapted from within their various cultures. Perhaps the most notable today is the thousands of visitors who will make their way to Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, just to take in what they believe it to be. All these festivals have one thing in common, the darkest day giving way to rising light in the future days.

Just a side note; it is true that some of our Christmas traditions were picked up from some of these pagan festivals, such as the ‘yule log,’ since Christmas was first recognized on December 25, 336. The truth is, no one can be certain what time of the year Christ was born, most likely it wasn’t December 25th. The good news is, we know He came to earth being born of a virgin in Bethlehem.

It may not be a bad thing that Christmas is celebrated around the winter solstice. The world is anticipating the coming light to end their darkest days. What greater light is there for the world than the light of Jesus Christ and the hope of salvation for those who believe in Him. The amount of Christmas lights displayed around the world during the season adds to that hope. We do not know if Christ was born around the winter solstice, but it is fitting we celebrate His birth by shining His light in winter for all the world to see.

Bible Studies

“The Angels’ Song-Gloria in Excelsis Deo” 5 Songs of Hope for Advent

Loring Schultz

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’” Luke 2:13-14 ESV

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A common thread that ran through the last two songs of hope we have looked at, Mary’s song and Zechariah’s song, is they both give glory to God. Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,” and Zechariah exclaimed, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel.” And the angels continue the theme this week with “Glory to God in the highest.” Indeed, the birth of Christ is reason to rejoice in praising God and giving Him all the glory. This week in our 4th Song of Hope for Advent we sing along with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Lk.2:14 esv)

The greatest birth the world has ever known, the incarnation of God embodying human flesh, occurred in the most humiliating of circumstances. But God saw it was noted as the most glorious event that it was. R.C. Sproul describes it in this manner, “At the very moment the babe is wrapped in the cloth of humiliation, God is not satisfied that the circumstances of the Son’s birth be only humiliation. God desired that shame be balanced with glory and exaltation.” (1) And it was glory with a host of angels preceding down from heaven in a chorus of praise.

The first ones to receive the glorious news were the shepherds working the night shift out in the fields overlooking Bethlehem. Theirs’ was a busy occupation with the Temple in Jerusalem only six miles away. They provided many of the animals for sacrifice, including sheep. Shepherds worked day and night 365 days a year. They were also on the lower cast of society. The smell of the fields and animals was just as unattractive as their occupation for most people. Nevertheless, God chose them as the first ones to hear the good news. The news of Christ’s miraculous birth is for all people willing to come to Him and accept Him for salvation. The shepherds didn’t waste any time after the angels left them, “(they) said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’” (Lk.2:15, esv)

The shepherds were filled with joy and hurried to see the Christ child, but when the angels first appeared, they were frighten to death. In fact, it was only one angel that got them all worked up. “And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.” (Lk.2:9 esv) Fear would have been a natural reaction when on a dark, quiet night of the same-old, same-old work an angel appears with the glory of the Lord shining all around them. But the angel quickly calms their fears with good news. “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Lk.2:10-11 esv)

This was good news for the shepherds. They would know ‘Christ’ was the Messiah that the Jews were waiting for. The angel referred to the city of David where the Messiah was prophesied to be born. This was a declaration of the birth of the one who would save the world from sin and death. Notice, the angel gives three titles to the Christ-child; Savior, Christ (Messiah, anointed one), and Lord (Yahweh, or God.) He was both God and man. The angel then gives them a sign of what to look for when they go to into Bethlehem to look for the savior, and then the song begins.

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’” (Lk.2:13-14 esv) A heavenly host of angels came down and joined their colleague in singing their song ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo.’ Here again, as in Mary’s and Zechariah’s songs, we get the name from the Latin Vulgate translation. The first words in the Latin Vulgate are ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo’ meaning ‘Glory to God in the highest.’ The angels know of the glory and majesty of God and have just witnessed perhaps the greatest event they have seen and can’t hold back in giving praise and glory to God.

We will have the opportunity to sing along with angels this Christmas season whether singing in church, or caroling, singing at home, or in your car. This song of hope this week is giving glory to God for His plan of salvation coming to realization in the birth of Christ and the peace we can have by accepting Him as savior. What better song to sing.

(1) Sproul, R.C. Luke: An Expositional Commentary. Sanford: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2020. Pg 57

Read: Luke 2:7-20 ESV – And she gave birth to her firstborn son – Bible Gateway

Angels We Have Heard on High:

A Christian Perspective

The ‘X’ in Xmas

Loring Schultz

“And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” Matthew 1:16 KJV

Photo by Vie Studio on Pexels.com

During the last half of the 20th century and so far so in the 21st century a certain amount of people take offense to the spelling of Christmas as ‘Xmas.’ Their argument is, and rightly so, it is used to keep ‘Christ’ out of Christmas. The phrase ‘Keep Christ in Christmas ‘was coined to list ways to keep the meaning of Christmas true to what it is, the birth of Christ. Notably, it is also used to refute the spelling of ‘Xmas.’ There is no doubt within secular society attempts are made to undermine and diminish the influence of Christianity, and by using ‘Xmas’ they are found guilty. The opponents of the use of ‘Xmas’ need not worry so much. Those who use ‘Xmas’ with the intent to remove Christ from Christmas are failing in their attempts because, little do they know, they are promoting Christ in their actions.

The original use of ‘Xmas’ dates back to the year 1021, however it began to be used more frequently in the mid-1500s. The ‘X’ is from the Greek letter ‘Chi’ which is the first letter in Greek for the word ‘Christ.’ In Greek, the name of Christ is Χριστός (christos). The first letter resembles the English letter (x). It was in the middle ages when writing in ink was expensive that shorthand was used, and ‘chi’ was inserted for Χριστός. Carried over into English is ‘X’, therefore ‘Xmas’ meaning (christos-mas.) There was never any effort to disrespect the name of Christ for they could not have, it was not their attempt. The writing signified Christ and that was their intention.

Fast forward to 1983 and Webster’s 9th Edition which reads, “[X is symbol for Christ from the Greek letter chi (x), initial of Christos Christ + mas (in Christmas) ]: Christmas (dates from 1551).”

So, feel free to use ‘Xmas.’ You are honoring Christ who was born to save us from our sins. Don’t discourage those who use it thinking it keeps Christ out of Christmas, it does not. But thank them for honoring your Lord and Savior and show them Χριστός (christos) and His love for them and wish them a Merry Xmas.

Source used: Wiersbe, David W. & Warren W. C is for Christmas. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2012. Pg 199-200

Devotionals

Love Came Down

Loring Schultz

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 KJV

Photo by Felix Mittermeier on Pexels.com

The most familiar verse in all of Scripture is John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (kjv) God’s love came down to the world when He sent His Son to be born of a virgin over 2,000 years ago. The world was and is still in need of a savior. The angels announced to the shepherds on that first Christmas Eve, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Lk.2:11 kjv) Yes, God’s love came down. His plan of salvation from eternity passed, for you and me, had taken another step closer to its completion.

Jesus came into this world as the God-man to save sinners. His love for us is such that He left heaven’s glories to come here and live on this earth. Jesus lived and worked among us until His time came for the purpose of His coming. He would make the ultimate sacrifice dying on the cross of Calvary for our sins showing His love for us. Yes, Christ’s love for us came down thirty-three years earlier in the city of David, and it never wavered, even on the cross. His love that came down for us, kept Him up on the cross and this time did not come down.

We are incapable of reaching up to God for salvation. There is nothing we can ever do to save ourselves. So, love came down. ‘For God so loved the world.’ It is God’s desire that no one perishes into eternal damnation due to their sin. (2Pt.3:9) Christ’s coming to earth is proof of God’s love for us. Yes, love came down; in Jesus’ birth, in His death, in His resurrection, in sending us His Holy Spirit, and in His coming back again. Have you received God’s love that came down and accepted Christ as your savior?  

Read: Luke 2:1-20 KJV – And it came to pass in those days, that – Bible Gateway

Hear ‘Love Came Down’ by Kari Jobe: