Our passage today: Luke 2:21-38, preacher Ian Bayne, Monday 25th December

Jesus is just 8 days old and met by the priest to be circumcised.

When they came there were two individuals that met them: Simeon who was waiting for the Lord.

Anna was 84 years old, also in prayer and connection with God. When Jesus is presented, she recognises Him as the messiah.

1. The Lord was looked for

Some who had read the Old Testament new the messiah was coming as a son of David who would redeem Israel (believers).

At our house Christmas isn’t really my thing, tripping over bears on stairs, but I do really enjoy watching the anticipation of the children.

Back when I was growing up there was an old sock and an orange in the bottom of it, things were more meagre, but still exciting. You didn’t know what would be in the sock.

There was an anticipation for Jesus.

2. The Lord was prepared for

Simeon and Anna were praying for Jesus. They receive encouragement and prayer.

Sometimes people ask me what I do and I say “I’m a pastor”. Sometimes people will then ask “But what do you really do?” I say “I prepare people to die well”

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21 ESV

It’s said that the two most certain things in the world are death and taxes.

3. The Lord came for a reason

He saves us from our sin. The Lord promises to save us from the penalty of our sin and the power of our sin. It can be a slow process, but through persistence and prayer he will help us overcome our sin that he pays the penalty for.

4. The Lord was spoken for

Simeon and Anna both speak about Jesus. Christians don’t want to stop talking about Jesus and want to share the good news with our families and friends.

In spite of what we’ve done and who we are we know and believe that Jesus came as a baby, lived, died and ascended into heaven, giving the Holy Spirit to us to help us live day by day to speak the word to others around us.

It can be hard for others to hear all the time and we hope that one day they will receive the words of Jesus as we received them.

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

John 5:24 ESV