Section 3: The Light Dawns
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:21-40, Leviticus 12:6-8
I sometimes feel like we’ve gotten so comfortable with Advent and the Christmas story that we forget how absolutely not normal every part of it is.
From prophecies of Jesus’s coming, to a virgin birth, to being placed in a manger and drawing the attention of wise men and shepherds from afar, none of this was normal.
Mary and Joseph weren’t superhuman people chosen by God to be Jesus’s mom and dad. In fact, stories like Jesus being presented in the temple remind us that they were just young, inexperienced parents. They followed tradition and did what they knew best to do while also knowing their son was actually the Son of God. So Jesus was brought to the temple and presented to the Lord, just like all the other young boys (Luke 2:23).
Now if you’re like me, you may remember hearing Simeon’s name, but have never really focused on his story. Simeon was a godly man. A man who the Holy Spirit had promised would not die until he saw Jesus with His own eyes. Then the Spirit guided him into the temple the day Jesus was there, and that promise was fulfilled (vv.29–30).
“For my eyes have seen your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples—a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.” —Luke 2:30–32
The prayer Simeon gives is full of so much revelation and perspective. He declares that Jesus will be not only glory to Israel, but a light for the Gentiles and other nations. Not only was He coming for God’s people, He was coming for the rest of us, too.
Simeon mentions that Jesus’s coming will mean death to some, and life to others who believe in Him (v.34–35). He hints at pain that is to come because Jesus would bring both light and revelation (v.32). The Bible says that Mary and Joseph marveled at his words. How could they not?
Then we meet the prophet Anna who also testifies about Jesus. She speaks specifically about the redemption He would bring to Jerusalem. Can you imagine what it was like for Mary and Joseph to hear all this? Jesus’s birth not only fulfilled prophecy after years of waiting, He also came to redeem what was lost and to bring hope to those who didn’t deserve it.
And today we praise Him. We trust Him. We believe in Him because everything the prophets said about Him is true. This is our King. This is our Light of the World.
Written by Abby Flynn
I was not actually familiar with the story of Simeon and Anna this is wonderful to read here. Maura God does answer our prayers, and I am praying for Tigist and her baby. I have learned that while Jesus did not come to rescue us out of every negative situation, the Lord often does when we ask, for He who offered up His own Son, how will He not also give us all things ? (Romans- I think in chapter 8 somewhere. I am bad with remembering chapter and verse numbers)
I can only imagine in my heart what it’s like to see God in the flesh. Simeon and Anna must have been trembling with joy! But I am very grateful beyond words that God is with us. Now. Forever. And I am looking forward to that day when we SEE Him with our own eyes. I am very excited!
Blessed week everyone!
@ERB— indeed! I was watching the Nativity story on Christmas Day and, as I watched the birth of Jesus, I thought “what a moment!.” This scene always makes me bawl my eyes out because in its simplicity, it is so grandiose due to its meaning— the birth of Jesus, a star that comes forth, the Angel appearing to the shepherds. Nothing about this moment, or those leading to it, is normal. I pray that we all continue to be marvel in the miracle of Christmas.
The story of Simeon and Anna is pretty cool. Imagine getting to hold our Savior
I hope you all had a great Christmas! God bless ❤️
Thank you, Abba Father!! For your grace, mercy and salvation!!
Happy Monday!
I cried last night watching The Shack. I think the movie did a great job portraying the 3 parts of God, and how they want an intimate relationship with us. It is on Netflix right now. I had read the book years ago. (yes, I know it was a little controversial through the Christian, community, but we don’t need to focus on that!) Just the beauty of knowing God is there with us in our pain, and even though there is evil, God doesn’t cause it, but can use it to work in us.
Have a great day she’s!
R
Dear Sisters, I have a prayer request for my dear compassion child, now woman, who by God’s goodness has communicated with me via messenger for several years. Her name is Tigist and I am asking prayers for she lost her first baby when she was 6 months pregnant last year, and now she is 3 months along in this pregnancy. I am sad for we had not communicated in so long that I was unaware of the loss and the second pregnancy. Tigist is a Christian. Please pray His protection, provision, healing for Tigiat and her husband. Victoria E, I know God answers our prayers, praying for you and your sweet baby. Thank you Sisters. So appreciate you mighty prayer warriors/sisters, our God moves mountains even when are faith is but the size of a mustard seed. Love to you all.
Sorry but I just remembered another Michael Card song that I was reminded of last week. “Celebrate the Child.”