Simeon and Anna

Christmas morning Marty was reading the Christmas story to the rest of the Mikles family and I was privileged to sit next to him and read along. I love how God's word is continually made new to us and how there will always be something to learn from a story we have heard so often.

On Christmas morning this was what I heard:
"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 Holy Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of 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.'
Luke 2: 25 - 32

Then a little bit farther down the Scripture talks about a woman named Anna.

"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 (pretty cool, I'd say). Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem." verses 36 - 38

Fact: We have seen the salvation which God has prepared in the sight of all people - a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Israel.

Question: Who are you going to tell about the redemption of your town, your world, your soul and theirs?

We're coming up on New Year's resolutions - perhaps the answer to that question should be among yours.

That's Christmas after all, isn't it? One that really makes a difference and doesn't get thrown out with the wrapping paper.

Grace and Justice,
Joy