There are three things we can learn
from Simeon and Anna as found in Luke 2:21-40 about how have peace and
contentment.
The first is that Money
(or Stuff) isn’t important.
One of the BIG stresses of this season is gifts. Who to
buy for, what to buy, the busyness, and how can I afford it - are great
stressors. Simeon & Anna didn’t fall into that trap. They were looking for
the Messiah and who did they pick? They picked Jesus, this baby being carried
by Joseph & Mary., they were part of the ordinary crowd of people like
those who came into the Temple every day. If ANYTHING distinguished them – it
was the fact that they were poor. Luke 2:21-24: When the time came for the
purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to
Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in
the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and
to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a
pair of doves or two young pigeons.”.
In other words, according to the law, a person of means who gave birth to a child was required to bring a lamb as their sacrifice. But a poor couple brought what Joseph & Mary offered: a couple of small birds. But, this couple’s poverty didn’t phase Simeon & Anna. They weren’t distracted by appearances. The Holy Spirit directed them, and wants to direct you to Him as well.
In other words, according to the law, a person of means who gave birth to a child was required to bring a lamb as their sacrifice. But a poor couple brought what Joseph & Mary offered: a couple of small birds. But, this couple’s poverty didn’t phase Simeon & Anna. They weren’t distracted by appearances. The Holy Spirit directed them, and wants to direct you to Him as well.
Look
for Christ everywhere this Christmas. He can be found. Amen?
