Luke 2:21-40
On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord). and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom fo the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: ” Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. The Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty – four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at the very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about he child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
Simeon, the prophet, met the baby Jesus and his parents; when they presented Jesus to God. In the days of Jesus, Jews had many ceremonies after a baby was born. One is circumcision, where they name the baby and show separation from the gentiles. Two is Redemption of the firstborn. This is where they present the firstborn to God. It happens one month after the baby is born. This ceremony is when the child is bought back – redeeming through an offering. The parents acknowledge the child is Gods’. The third one is purification of the mother. If the woman has a son it is for 40 days and if the woman has a daughter it is for 80 days after the birth of the child. The women his considered unclean and cannot enter the temple. At the end of her time, the family brings a lamb for the burnt offering and a dove or pigeon for the sin offering. Then the priest would sacrifice them and declare the woman clean. Mary and Joseph brought a second dove or pigeon instead of a lamb because they were poor. While Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus were at the temple, Simeon met them. He stated what Jesus would become. Simeon was the second person to prophecy over him. He gave Joseph and Mary three statements. 1. a gift of God, 2. recognized Jesus as the Messiah, 3. Jesus would be the light for the whole world. Then He prophesied the negative part of Jesus coming. How some would fall, some would rise, some would follow some would reject him, and Mary would also be sadden like a sword piercing her. Then after Simeon, here comes Anna, a prophetess. She thanked God and praised him for sending the redemption of Jerusalem.
They both spoke truth to Joseph and Mary. They had hope to see the Messiah.
Our Messiah has come! Our Christ walked among man! God delivered his promise. All we need to do is believe. Believe in the Miracle of Christmas. 33 years later, Jesus will complete his purpose here on earth, then eventually finish the rest. We don’t know when, be we just believe it will happen. Have hope! Trust our Heavenly Father at his word.
In the meantime, work at building your relationship with him. I mean, because of Jesus, we can. Our triune God is with us. He walks with us and he talks with us. I would not want to do life without him. He is the bestest and the mostest in this life.
Will you consider accepting him in your life? Will you give him – you? Will you live each day for him? Will you make him your everything? What do you want more than anything this Christmas?? God give so much grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness to each of us that accepts him!!!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your salvation plan. We might not get all of it. But all we have to do is Believe that Christ is our Messiah. That you sent him to redeem us. I pray this season that people will seek you and find you.
In Jesus name,
Amen
