Instead of selecting a few verses as a focus, Rev. Lois Hedden has shared an entire passage of scripture in Luke 2:22-40. Simeon had been waiting a very long time for the Messiah. He had been promised he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Simeon recognized Jesus as the Messiah when Mary and Joseph entered the temple. He lifted Jesus into his arms and prayed a blessing over Him. He also blessed Mary and Joseph.

God coming as a human changes His presence from God with US to God with ME. When we accept Christ as Savior we are lifted up by Him. Think what an amazing gift this is from God. Jesus was born to die for us!

We then see Anna who was 84 years old or older. She had lived in the temple for many years praying and fasting and waiting for the Messiah. She knew he was coming. She said God told her she would not die before seeing the Messiah. When she saw him she went throughout the temple and beyond telling people. They did not believe her because she had been identified as the “old woman living in the temple.”

What a gift God gave Mary and Joseph! They received two affirmations of the message from the angel that day that their son was the Messiah.