Be anticipative more than celebrative for Christmas
* The message of Christmas has been terribly misapplied and misunderstood by the world and often the church also.
* Man looks for short and temporal consolation amidst strife and conflict.
* The real Christmas heralds the entrance of God into human history.
* The Son of God ushering real peace that is absolutely consecrated.
* We must anticipate the blessings that come with that peace, not just merely want to be celebrative.
Read <Luke 2:21-38>
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”[a]), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
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 on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the 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, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 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.
1) Simeon
* An old man.
* Righteous and Devout – Waiting patiently for the fulfillment of God’s promise amidst the suffering of his people.
* Describe Jesus as the “Consolation of Israel”.
* His hope in the promised Messiah sustain his degenerative body.
* Yet he was ready to go after he saw the Lord’s Messiah.
* Prophesizes about the non-neutrality of Jesus – This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel.
2. Anna, the prophetess
* Old and widowed for many years.
* 84 years old? Or much older?
* Fasted often, daily visitor of the temple.
* Looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
3. Commonality of Simeon and Anna
1) They live in anticipation to see the fulfillment of the Nativity.
* Their anticipation is in God, not in men.
* Do not put our hopes in ideal situation, but in God.
* Do not let our anticipation be reduced to something short-lived, just because of suffering.
* No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame <Ps 25:3>.
2) Their anticipation stands the test of time.
* Do not subconsciously put your hopes in chance, luck, or some feel-good sentiments.
3)Their anticipation was coupled with lives revolving around the temple of God.
* Their lives around the temple of God help keep their anticipation intact.
* Be devoted to the benefits and liberation of the people of God
* Do not let different seasons of our life rob away our church life.
4) Their anticipation was realized.
Reflection:
1. What do I usually hope for in Christmas? What captivates my heart?
2. How does Simeon and Anna’s anticipation align my anticipation for Christmas and this life?
