As we concluded our Advent series, we looked at the final theme of the Christmas holidays, and that is “Christ”. In this sermon we examined the testimony of Simeon to truly get an accurate understanding of who Christ was at the first Advent. We saw how Jesus came for the salvation of Israel, a nation seeking consolation. This was to fulfill God’s promises from the Old Testament, promising freedom to the Jews–especially freedom from sin. Secondly, we saw how Christ came to save the world; Jesus came to be a light to the Gentiles and welcome us into the family of God. Finally, we were reminded that the Christ also came to be a stumbling block to many; He would be the dividing line between those who rise to justification, and those who fall into damnation. The culmination of the advent themes of hope, peace, joy and love is embodied in the one person–Jesus the Christ.