Luke 2:22-38

Bringing the sermon home:

(A special thanks to our guest preacher, Allen Day, for filling in at the last minute!)

As the newborn Jesus is brought to the temple in Jerusalem for the first time, two older saints immediately recognize that He is the One they have been waiting for. Simeon and Anna are examples to us in many ways. They are examples of patiently waiting for God to fulfill His promises, centering their lives around the worship and service of Him. They are examples of having the spiritual eyes to see Jesus for who He is, and to receive Him as the greatest of God's good gifts. And finally, they are examples of telling others about Jesus as they publicly praise Him and "speak of Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem."

Those who wait for the Lord to fulfill His promises are content with not being the hero of their own story. There is but one true hero in the story of creation, and our greatest joy is found in celebrating and cherishing Him. No matter whether we're young and feel we have our entire lives ahead of us, or whether we feel we're nearing the end of this life, the path to joy is to put Christ at the center of it all.

Outline:

1. Shadow meets substance (vv. 22-24)
2. Looking turns to seeing (vv. 25-35)
3. Waiting turns to announcing (vv. 36-38)