Intro: It has been 400 years since the Word of the Lord came to the prophets of Israel. Finally the still small voice whispers grace to those that will hear. In the 400 years of Gods silence Rome has risen to power and controls the Promised Land. A remnant of the people of Israel are still looking for the promised one. In the Christmas story as told by Dr Luke we see two peoples hope realized. Simeon and Anna finally get to see the consolation and redemption of Israel.
Everyone waits for Christmas. Christmas is the promise of gifts. In Simeon and Anna we see that finally the Christmas promise has arrived. The silence is over in these latter days God has spoken to us in His Son.
I. The Promise of Comfort – Simeon
A) Seeing the consolation of Israel prepares us to depend
What a wonderful name! Simeon means one who hears and obeys. Simeon heard by way of the Spirit that He would not die until his eyes witnessed the messiah Luke 2.26. Even during the 400 hundred year period of silence from the voice of God Simeon was confident that God would fulfill the promises and prophesies about Messiah. This was the time of the crafty and cruel king Herod. Political independence was gone and the once great nation was ruled by the Romans.
There is so little for people to depend on today. Retirement accounts are emptied, marriage covenants are broken, company promises are rescinded, parent responsibilities rejected, ministry vows shattered. In our economic and social climate of fear and doubt there is something we can point to for people to depend on! Jesus Christ.
The Bible says this righteous and devout man. Simeon was waiting on the promise of Christmas. Jesus appeared before him and he saw what the prophets had hoped to see. The comfort of Israel and the hope all people. In this Christmas season where people should feel comfort many are insecure, empty, and afraid. But in Jesus Christ all can have comfort.
B) Seeing the consolation of Israel prepares us to depart
Luke 2.29-32 Simeon was prepared to face death after seeing Jesus, The Lord is salvation. How amazing it must have been to see Jesus! The hope of the world! Now Simeon could leave this world of pain and sorrow. Friend you are not prepared for this life, much less the life to come until you see your salvation. Unless you are born again Jesus said, you cannot even see the kingdom of heaven. Paul was torn between departing and staying. Once you have a glimpse of Jesus, this world doesn’t hold the same attachment as before. I love my wife, kids and all of you but if it were time I am ready to depart. The word Simeon used to say he was now ready to depart tells us something of the Christians life and death. It means to set free a prisoner, to cut loose and set sail, to take up a tent. We are ready to depart because we are comforted with the presence of Jesus.
C) Seeing the consolation of Israel prepares us to declare
Look at what Simeon did next. Luke 2.29. He took the baby Jesus into his arms and blessed God. He praised God with a song. A light to the gentiles you and me. Jesus is revealing what
God requires, righteousness that comes only by the Blood of Jesus Christ. Gentiles looked for wisdom and Jews looked for light. Jesus brings both the light of the glory of God. He completely explains God. The wisdom of God is found in knowledge or a relationship with the Holy one. That is what we declare the light and wisdom of God.
II. The Promise of Forgiveness – Anna
Anna also has a wonderful name it means grace. This lady whose name means God’s favor saw the embodiment of grace. God’s timing still amazes me. Anna came up to the place where Simeon and Mary, Joseph and Jesus were. Simeon was saying praises to God for the consolation of Israel. The messiah had come and Anna was favored by God to see Him in the temple. 84 years she lived. A majority of those years were spent in the temple praying and praising God.
Anna came from the tribe of Asher which means blessed, happy. She knew that the true source of happiness does not consist of your outward circumstances.
What was the secret that kept Anna waiting?
A) A life of devotion
Luke 2.37 “She never left the temple.”
What is the secret of making it through the regular routine of life? Realizing that the monotony of life will one day be replaced with the majesty of God’s presence. Drawing close to God is not boring it is refreshing. The presence of God makes the routine superb and trivial moments tremendous opportunities to live for God! Annas life was a life lived in the grace of God.
B) A life of service
Luke 2.37 “serving night and day”
Jesus himself as quoted by Paul tells us it is more blessed to give than to receive. The life that is always seeking to get is the life that will miss the ministry of giving. I am still dealing with desires in my life to get. I find as I plan to give to others without thought of getting anything, joy floods through the giving. We were not only designed to know God but to give to others.
III. The Promise of Salvation – Jesus (the Law fulfilled)
A) We have a savior that is amazing
Luke 2.33 “they were amazed at the things that were being said about Him (Jesus)
The message says they were speechless at what was said about Jesus. We have become too familiar and too comfortable with Jesus when we speak of His birth story and are not struck speechless. In the manger was God made flesh. Remember from last week grace and mercy was in the manger. It amazing to me the patience God has for His creation that continues to reject Him.
Chris Tomlin captured it in His song amazing love,
Amazing love,
How can it be
That You, my King, would die for me?
Amazing love,
I know it’s true.
It’s my joy to honor You,
In all I do, I honor You.
B) We have a message that is comforting
Simeon saw the comforter, the consolation of Israel. He brought peace to the Jews and Gentiles. We as the church have the message of comfort for the world today. The message needs to go beyond the walls of this building. It is carried by His witnesses, you and me. If ever people needed a message of comfort it is today. There is no greater comfort than salvation, security, and serenity found in Jesus Christ.
C) We have a mission that is compelling
Anna saw the savior and spread the message. What is the compelling mission? It is to be His witnesses. To share the wonder and awe of the incarnation, God made flesh. To share the mercy, grace, comfort and forgiveness gifted to us through the Christ Child.
Conclusion: What are you waiting for? If you are a Christian you have an amazing Savior, a comforting message and a compelling mission. In the words of Jesus Go!
If you have not received Jesus as Savior and Lord what are you waiting for. The promise has come. Do not wait you are not promised tomorrow.
