Thomas, Simeon, and a God with Hands

Saint Athanasius Lutheran Church

Have you ever thought about how much our hands express—how they touch, create, and connect? In the Christmas story, hands play a surprising role. From Thomas, who couldn’t wait to touch Jesus’ hands and believe, to Simeon, who longed to hold the baby Messiah, hands tell a story of faith, love, and salvation. Jesus came with hands—tiny newborn hands that grew to heal the sick, raise the dead, and embrace the outcast. Even on the cross, when His hands were nailed down, His love continued to reach us. And now, through His Word and Sacraments, He still touches us, blessing us with forgiveness and new life. But what about our hands? Just as Jesus used His to love and serve, we’re called to do the same. Who can’t you wait to get your hands on? How will you use your hands to care, comfort, and bless those around you? This Christmas, let’s remember: Jesus first reached out to us, and one day, He’ll take hold of us again—welcoming us into a joy that never ends.