Luke 2 “…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 2:30-32)
Traditional Christmas stories tend to downplay or even omit the roles of Simeon and Anna (2:25-38) in the early life of Jesus. Yet they enter the scene just 8 days from His birth and provide incredible depth to the account.
Simeon received promise from the Lord that he would live to see the Christ and literally lifted up our Lord in praise (28) and proclaimed Him to be the source of salvation – for Jews and Gentiles.
Anna also faithfully waited for His arrival in what Paul called the “fullness of time.” (Gal. 4:4) She served, fasted and prayed day and night for decades in the temple.
God honored the faithfulness of these elderly followers of Christ and used them to echo the claims of the angels and to provide encouragement to Mary and Joseph. This passage should cause us to consider the important role that the more seasoned saints play in God’s ministry. It reminds us of the importance of finishing strong and to offer up words that edify and provide hope to the younger generation. The younger should take the opportunity to listen to the elders and receive a blessing.
Takeaways:
The account of the birth of Christ is a classic story that should be reviewed often. God honors those who faithfully wait upon Him. Jesus balanced the responsibility of obeying two fathers (Joseph & God) and He was able to grow in wisdom, stature, favor with God and with men (2:49-52).
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