Simeon And Anna Series

2014 Christmas Series (December 28, 2014)

Sermon 5 (Sunday after Christmas) – Simeon and Anna

Luke 2:25-40

Introduction

- Obvious question: “What is Advent?”

-- The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival."

-- The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ

-- His birth is his First Advent, his first coming, to a world in great need

-- Also reflects on the anticipation of the return of Christ in his Second Advent

- Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history.

-- It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God.

- Past few weeks we’ve discussed many important parts:

-- The joy of Mary’s heart and soul as she worshipped what God was doing in her

-- We discussed John the Baptist’s birth; focus on his father, Zechariah

-- We explored the prophecy of Jesus’ birth being foretold

-- IMP: Mary’s response: Luke 1:38, “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled”.

- When God calls us to move, we need to be obedient and move

-- Last week we examined the glorious arrival of our Savior

- Today, we conclude the Advent series with a look at Simeon and Anna

- Read Luke 2:25-40 / Pray

∆ Point 1 – What did you celebrate on Christmas? (25-32)

- This past Christmas morning, can you recall what it was that you celebrated?

-- Did you celebrate the latest technological gift? Perhaps it was a new appliance?

-- Or even still some much needed clothes given by someone who loved you?

- All of these are good things to celebrate, but most importantly this morning we must celebrate the arrival of our Messiah, because He is the reason for Christmas

- Simeon was a reverent old man, God-fearing and obedient

-- He was in the template when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus there

-- He carried a promise with him: before his death he would see the Christ

- It is not revealed when Simeon received this promise, only that it guided him

-- This promise focused his life and intentions on following God faithfully

- Because he lived a righteous life, he was able to see the Messiah before he died

-- His faith strengthened him in knowing that God was all he would ever need

- I’m reminded of a young man who came face to face with Jesus (Mark 9)

-- He had a young son who was possessed and he was without hope

-- Pleading with Jesus, as only a parent can do, he asks for healing for his son

-- Jesus responds, (Mark 9:23) “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

- Check out THIS life verse:

-- Mark 9:24, “Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

-- We can be assured that if God says it to us, we SHALL see it fulfilled in us

- Celebrating Christmas is truly an important part of the Christian faith

-- But will we sing praises and rejoice because God has revealed Himself to us?

-- Take a look at Simeon’s praise as he rejoices in what God has done

-- Re-read v29-32

- “My eyes have SEEN your salvation” … “I am now ready to leave this Earth”

-- IMP APP: Once you “see” Jesus, you are no longer a part of this world’s grip

-- Amazing Grace is a perfect example of this: I was once blind but now … I see!

- Once we have seen the Lord, we are freed from sin to follow Jesus completely

-- Did you SEE Jesus this week? Have you worshiped His arrival in your life?

- TRANS: In each of our lives, there is a call to obedience just like this!

∆ Point 2 – God Knows Your Heart (33-35)

- Re-read v33-35

- Mary and Joseph marveled at what they were saying; strengthening their faith

-- Certainly, as they heard these words they realized the responsibility they had

-- As they heard these strangers glorify God in their presence, they were amazed

- But, there is a key here that we must grasp this morning, it’s the revelation of Jesus’ true role and what He has come to this Earth for: He’s come to redeem the church … and to transform those that are in it!

- “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

- The Bible records that Mary’s heart too will be pierced (at Calvary)