“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen you salvation which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:29
The passage above is the amazing proclamation of a man named Simeon. Luke chapter 2 tells his story. Read Simeon’s words in Luke 2 for yourself over the Christmas weekend. This elderly man had somehow had it revealed to him by God that he would see the Messiah before he died. And when Mary and Joseph brought eight-day-old Jesus to the Temple for his dedication (fulfilling the Jewish custom), Simeon saw him and made this proclamation.
Tying into this same story, another elderly person, the woman, a prophetess, Anna, overheard Simeon speaking to Mary and Joseph about Jesus. The Bible says that she…
…talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
Luke 2:38
In this amazing story, here’s what I see:
- A proclamation of recognition of the Messiah (Simeon)
- Sharing with others what has been seen with one’s own eyes (Anna)
Isn’t that what we, as disciples of Jesus, are called to do?
- Proclaim Jesus as our personal Savior!
- Tell others what we have come to know!
This is the story we will be looking at this coming Sunday, December 27, at 10 a.m. You can find this message through any of the three doors into LifeWay Church worship.
- 1: Watch online in your own home
- 2: Join a small group and stream the service together
- 3: Come to church and join us inside the building (remember to register!)
Before the service, read Luke 2:25-40 as you prepare for worship.
Throughout the Advent season this month, I have asked the question, “Did you know…?” In other words, did you know this about Jesus? Today my question is this:
Have you ever personally recognized the Savior Jesus in your personal life?
Then the follow-up question:
Have you ever been like Anna—freely telling others what you have found?
Merry Christmas to you all. I love you. I pray for you. I am challenging us all to truly come to trust this Savior Jesus with our lives.
