“He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 10-12 The Christmas season is ending, and another year is just about over. The nativity scenes and all the decorations will be packed away and forgotten for a few months. Many folks will put their church clothes away until Easter. People will go about their…
“And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” Luke 2:36-37 I remember what it was like when our children were little and how excited they would be about Christmas. We would tell them that there so many more sleeps before the day would come. Of course, every day they would ask us how much longer they had to wait. The people who were waiting and watching for Messiah to come did not have a specific day to look forward to. The promise had been given, but the exact time was uncertain. Yesterday we heard about Simeon. Luke tells us that as Simeon finished his prophecy about the Baby Jesus, Anna appeared. Luke 2:38 “And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” Think of Anna as she ministered in the Temple. For…
“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” Luke 2:25-26. Simeon loved God and believed all the Messianic promises in the writings of the prophets. The Bible does not tell us how old Simeon was, nor how many years he had been studying the scriptures. But we do know that at some point God had shown him that he would not die before he saw the promises fulfilled. Anticipation and hope kept him coming to the Temple day after day. On the day that Mary and Joseph brought the Baby Jesus to fulfil the requirements of the law, the Holy Spirit led Simeon once again to the Temple. He had seen babies there before, but this time something was different. He knew this baby was special–the promised One. Luke 2:28-32 “Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy…
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” Luke 2:8 It began just like any other night on the Judean hills. The sheep settled for the night. The shepherds gathered around their campfire, sharing a last cup of coffee before the guards took their positions, and the rest found a place to sleep. They took their job very seriously. This flock was special because from it would come the lambs designated for sacrifice in the temple. But this night would be different. There would be no sleep for any…
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” Luke 2:4-5 When my first child was born, I rode in a car to a modern hospital, where I was quickly admitted and put in a comfortable bed. The nurse attending me was a friend, and the doctor was someone I was familiar with trusted completely. My son was checked over carefully to make sure everything was okay. They wrapped him in a warm blanket and placed him in a comfortable crib. All my needs were met. How different it was for Mary on that Christmas long ago. She had ridden for days on a donkey, probably feeling extremely uncomfortable, because she knew she would soon give birth. Arriving in Bethlehem, it must have been disheartening to discover there was no room in the inn. Fortunately, they found a place to stay in a humble stable, probably just a cave. There was no comfortable bed, no clean sheets, and no nurse or doctor to…
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 Through the years, the Jewish people read these words of the prophet Isaiah. In their minds, they formed a picture of a mighty conqueror coming in power and glory. He would deliver them from their Roman bondage and reign as their king. This child would be born in a notable family, educated and prepared for the roles He would fulfill. But God’s ways are not our ways. And His plans are far different than what we can foresee. He chose that His coming to earth would be simple and revealed only to a few. Look at the people He put in place for what we now refer to as The Christmas Story. Mary – an unknown young lady from the town of Nazareth, who was willing to submit to God, even though it caused her shame and reproach. Joseph – a simple carpenter, who believed what the angel of God told him, and submitted to His plan. Shepherds –…