no small parts

In my theater background I often heard the phrase "there are no small parts, only small actors" from a director who had in fact just handed out a small part to a kid.  The idea was that a good actor could take a small part and make it shine.  But in truth, it's hard to shine when you have one line (as I did in my role as jailor # 2 in "the Crucible").  

In the Christmas story, there are lots of people who have "small parts".  We see characters like Elizabeth, Anna, Simeon and others who maybe have only a few lines of dialogue and could easily be (and often are) forgotten.

But, if we pay attention, we find that some of what they say is powerful and helpful for us today.  For example, in Luke 2, Simeon shares a word from the Lord that sheds light on the purpose of the life of Jesus.  He says, "My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."

The coming Messiah was often seen as the savior of the Jewish people...but Simeon shares a truth that Jesus would also be a light to the Gentiles.  The message of Salvation would be for the whole world, not just one people!  The light of the world had come and His light would not be put under a bushel...but shine for ALL to see.

Simeon is not the best known Christmas character, but his words are mighty.  The Lord used this small part to show a big truth.  The light of Christ is for ALL, for you and me and everyone.  May we let it shine in our hearts for ALL to see.

In Christ,
Pastor Scott