WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM THIS CHRISTMAS?
Let me ask you a question. What do you expect from this Christmas? Are you longing for anything? What are you expecting to receive? Are you looking forward to anything special this Christmas?
In the Gospel of Luke 2:22-38, we came across two characters who make their appearance in the final acts of the Christmas drama. One is a man named Simeon; the other is a woman named Anna. They don’t appear in any nativity scenes or in many Christmas cards, but they are significant players in the first Christmas pageant. Both of these individuals were waiting for something — actually, they were waiting for someone.
(1) Simeon — Waiting For Comfort
We are introduced to Simeon in Luke 2:25. “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.” Simeon was righteous before people, and he was devout in His relationship with God. Verse 26 shows us that Simeon had good reason for his hope and anticipation: “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”
The Holy Spirit prompted Simeon to go to the temple courts at just the right time on just the right day that Joseph and Mary were bringing their infant to the Temple. When Simeon looked at the baby Jesus, now about 6 weeks old, he knew that God’s promise had been kept. Here was Immanuel, “God With Us,” Verse 28 of Luke 2 says that Simeon reached down and took Jesus out of Mary’s arms and began to praise God.
As he broke out into praise, he acknowledged that God had not only fulfilled the individual promise to him, but also the promises of the prophets to send the Anointed One to comfort both Jews and Gentiles.
(2) Anna — Waiting for Forgiveness
The other Christmas character waiting with anticipation was Anna. After her husband had died, she had dedicated herself to fasting and praying in the temple. She was looking forward to the same person as Simeon was, but with a different orientation. Anna was looking for forgiveness. Verse 38: “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.”
Friends, when Jesus came, He provided the very things that Simeon and Anna were waiting for God’s comfort and His forgiveness. Let me ask you again this question, what are you waiting for this Christmas? Whatever it is you are expecting, Jesus can give it to you. Jesus provides what we need. He is our Jehovah Jireh.
Have a wonderful week ahead!