A. Christmas time is filled with misconceptions. The first thing we probably have wrong is the date itself. Very likely Jesus was not born on Dec. 25th. Then we mess up the manger scene. For us, it is a place that his been cleaned up, fresh straw, cattle quietly lowing and a sheep watching that looks like he was just bathed. Most likely, the place where Jesus was placed smelled horrible, the refuse of the animals was anything but hygienic and I doubt there was some halo glowing over the baby Jesus.
B. In many nativity scenes we have the coming of three wise men from the east, but from a biblical perspective, those men, how many we don’t know, did not come for about a year after the birth of Jesus and by that time Jesus was in some type of rented home or a home of a relative of Joseph. Well, Christmas cards were never intended to be a strict biblical account of the birth of Jesus.
C. I still like the little nativity scenes in peoples homes. I like to see the decorated villages and other things that remind me of how important it is to thank God for the savior who came into the world as a light shining in a dark place. But there are almost always two figurines that are never seen on Christmas cards or nativity scenes. I understand because they don’t belong in Bethlehem, they are a part of this the baby Jesus first trip to Jerusalem. I would like to take you back to that first trip and introduce you to two very special people who help us to see the importance of recognizing the coming of Jesus into the world.
I. In The Beginning
A. John begins his gospel by saying, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” In verse 14, John continues by saying, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
B. Matthew tells us about Joseph and his reaction when finds out Mary is pregnant. He tells us about how the Magi came to visit after Jesus was in a home and the escape to Egypt.
C. But it is Luke who records the events of the birth itself and what take place soon after. Luke tells us about Mary’s feelings as an angel announces to her that she will be the mother of the Son of the Most High and how this child will have a throne of David and reign over a kingdom that would never end. It is Luke that tells us about the visit between Mary and Elizabeth who was pregnant with John the Baptist. Luke tells us about decree that a census was to be taken and how Joseph and Mary were required to go to Bethlehem. It is Luke who tells us about the birth in the stable, the announcement from heaven to the shepherds in the area and how all these things Mary treasured in her heart. And it is to Luke that we turn to read about Jesus coming to the temple about 40 days old.
D. Read Luke 2:21-24. After his circumcision and his naming, the Bible tells us that Joseph and Mary waited for the purification time to cease according the Law of Moses. That time line was about a total of 40 days for the birth of a boy. Jesus is a firstborn son, and therefore, under the Law Joseph was required to redeem his son back. It had been done since the days of the Exodus. Isn’t it ironic that Joseph goes to redeem his son who is the Redeemer of the world. You can imagine Joseph and Mary walking through Jerusalem with their baby boy. Those of you with young baby can more clearly understand some of the emotions Mary must have been feeling as people stopped to look at her baby or ask his name. But it was here in Jerusalem, when Jesus was just 40 days old, that we meet up with two people that are often overlooked in the telling of the birth of Jesus.
II. Simeon
A. Read verse 25-27a. Here is a man that Bible calls righteous and devout, but the lesson I want us to learn from these verses is found the phrase, “He was waiting for the consolation of Israel.” The English language doesn’t do justice to the concept. You see Simeon was not just waiting around by accident. This word “waiting” is carried the idea of “expectation, longing to receive.” But what was it that Simeon was waiting on? The Bible says it was the “consolation of Israel.” The idea is that he was waiting for the time when Israel would find comfort from God and be redeemed. It is the same idea as expressed by Anna in verse 38.
B. These were people looking for the Redeemer. They were expecting him and looking for him. What are you expecting and looking this Christmas? Is it presents under a tree? Are you looking for family members to come home and sit at the table and reminisce about days gone by? Or are you looking for the one who saves the people from their sins? We get so wrapped up in the baby Jesus, that we forget the purpose for his coming. Simeon waited in hope to see the day when God would send the redeemer, but brethren, we are living in the days of redemption. The price for our sins has been paid for by the one who came to earth, born in a manger and died on a cross, who rose up from the dead three days later and is now at the right hand of the throne of God making intercession for you and me. Brethren it is time we start looking for Jesus to come into our lives.
C. Simeon could die in peace for his eyes had seen God’s salvation; a salvation that would be light to Gentile and Jews. Today, you could have the same peace that comes from having salvation come into your life by accepting Jesus as Lord in humble repentance and connecting to his blood in waters of baptism.
III. Anna
A. Simeon was not the only person in Jerusalem that day that was looking for the redeemer. The Bible tells us that a prophetess was also there. She was a widow who stayed at the temple worshiping God everyday. Spending time in fasting and prayer. Like Simeon she was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Anna saw Jesus she gave thanks to God.
B. Here we are at a time of year that should be filled with joy and happiness, yet many find themselves depress and hurting, alone and feeling left out. This woman didn’t have an easy life. She had been a widow for most her life. Yet this woman saw the baby Jesus and gave thanks to God. A lesson we can learn from this lady is to be thankful to God in all circumstances BECAUSE of Jesus.
Conclusion:
A. Let me conclude today by sharing with you something from this story that we have considered yet. Read with me vs. 34-35. It is rather a strange blessing. But the role of Jesus was not to be political, but as Simeon understood that this baby was going to be a controversial Messiah. Change would come because him. People who thought they would gain their life would in reality lose it. But some would seek to and eventually murder Jesus.
B. The baby Jesus was born and taken to Jerusalem to keep the customs of the Law, but while there Simeon and Anna would proclaim him as the redeemer of Israel and Gentiles alike. If you have not been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, his birth probably means very little to. You look at the nice Christmas cards with the sterile manger scene and think nothing of the purpose for his coming. But if today, you have met more than a baby Jesus, you have met redeemer, then let him free you from the bondage sin. If you need our help in giving yourself over to Jesus, then come as we stand and sing.
