When you’re a kid, you can’t wait for Christmas morning. The excitement and the anticipation of the presents and the treats and the fun—it’s hard to wait for. When you’re an adult you can’t wait for Christmas to be over with! Today, I want to talk about two people who are lesser-known characters in the Bible, that were waiting for the first Christmas.
Practical Principles
- Simeon was a godly man waiting for the Messiah. He was living a godly life at a time when the people of Israel had turned from the Lord in many ways. The Lord revealed to him that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. The name Simeon means “God has heard.” God did hear, and He sent Jesus to save the world. Simeon knew Him right on the spot, and he worshipped and prophesied when he saw the Messiah.
- Anna, at 84 years old, never left the temple and prayed constantly. She didn’t want to miss the Messiah. When she saw the baby Jesus, she knew the prophecy had been fulfilled. She rejoiced and told everybody about the child.
Relevant Reminders
- Historically, Jesus came at just the right time. Galatians 4:4 says, “When the time was just right, God sent forth His Son…”
- There are thousands of promises that the Lord is given to you in Scripture. Don’t ever forget the promises of God. Lay hold to those promises.
- Mary endured much to be the mother of Jesus—the pain of a soiled reputation and the pain of watching her Son die on the cross.
- How easy it is for us to miss the whole point of Christmas!
Applicable Actions
Anna and Simeon were waiting for the Messiah and He came. Why did Jesus come? So we could shop? So we could spend too much money? Of course not. He actually came to die. He came to bring life to us—to bring the ultimate gift to you.
Are you looking forward to the return of Jesus Christ? You should be. Just as the godly Simeon and Anna looked forward to His first arrival, we should be looking forward to His second coming. That’s really a mark of your spiritual state.
