The Jesus Grandma and Grandpa Knew.

Luke 2:22–38 NIV

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 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 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.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Introduction: Have you ever wondered if you were missing out on what is important in life? How would you know if you were?

24-We are Longing for Redemption.

"Line to See Jesus" - Is coming to a Christmas Eve Service like going to see Santa for you?

Waiting in line for Disney Rides

Waiting in line to see Santa

Reasons we get out of line.

1. It takes too long – Simeon & Anna waited a lifetime

2. Too many bad things keep happening. – Anna widowed

3. It wasn’t quite what we expected – We want what we want

Simeon points out some will get out of line.

4. We missed the line all together – snooze button.

5. It might scare us – Christmas story

Showing up is 90% of the battle

We have these two people who seemingly have lived long lives - They to me are like Grandparent figures in the story.

And they are portrayed as showing up, day in day out serving the Lord.

It seems like our culture acts like we are very young - we want instant gratification and if something is not entertaining enough or if we have to wait in long too long we stop showing up. - I think our Grandparents Generation are the best examples of patient devout service. Showing up every Sunday to meet Jesus.

And What happens? Jesus shows up...

25-Jesus Fulfills our Longing for Redemption.

This passage is a beautiful picture of what we should see in the Church.

The Babe - represented by Jesus - so much potential and the focus of this Story.

The Parents - Who are listening to the Holy Spirit, but also in awe of what is happening. It is just unfolding before them. They have a sense of what it all means, but not the fullness. - They are just doing what every good Jew does - present their first born son at the Temple.

The Grandparents - Now they see the big picture. They have lived a lifetime in the Power of the Holy Spirit. They are keen to the Spirit’s voice and are certain of the meaning of this encounter. For them, this is not any ordinary presentation of a Child, they are so attuned to the Spirit that they know the significance.

Christmas Gatherings are a lot like this aren’t they. The Young and Old coming together, sharing in the celebration of Christ’s birth. Even if you have not believed in Jesus, I imagine you have this picture of Young and Old coming together to celebrate. - This my friends is what the Church is supposed to be like. For those who are on the younger side - I want you to see the strength of your Grandma’s and Grandpa’s consistent devotion to God as an example in the Faith.

1. This passage, with both the triumph of the coming light and the coming darkness before, brings to mind the speech given by Samwise Gamgee to Frodo Baggins in the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (directed by Peter Jackson [New Line Cinema, 2002]; see also here). Samwise describes the power of the great stories into which great darkness sometimes settles, but reminds his faltering friend that “even darkness must pass.” When Frodo asks his friend, “What are we holding on to, Sam?” Sam replies, “That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.” The coming of Jesus shows us that God considers our world, which he created as “very good” and which fell into darkness and sin and brokenness, as worth saving. That’s why Jesus came to earth as a baby. And that’s what Simeon prophesied about.

1. The beauty of this passage lands in four verses, 29–32. This section is known by several names throughout the global church: the Canticle of Simeon, the Song of Simeon, or the Nunc Dimittis, which is the first two words of the hymn in Latin. Chris Fenner points out, “In Luke, the Song of Simeon is the last of a series of hymn-like speeches, or canticles, following after the Song of Mary (Magnificat), the Song of Zechariah (Benedictus), and the Song of the Angels (Gloria in excelsis).” Fenner also quotes Matthew E. Gordley: “Thematically, it shows two close connections with earlier songs: a focus on Israel as the people of God, and a focus on salvation and/or God as a savior” (Chris Fenner, “Song of Simeon,” Hymnology Archive, revised on December 7, 2020, https://www.hymnologyarchive.com/song-of-simeon).

How does the Gospel Relate? - Life of Jesus - It is good news because we can relate to this story, and Jesus relates to us. The actual Life of Jesus can be revealing of our hang-ups and allow the spirit to free us.

26-Potential Responses to Jesus.

1. llyn von Huben writes, “With Candlemas we celebrate the coming of the Light of the World. But a shadow also passes; a shadow foretelling the suffering that will precede the victory of the Light over darkness. Simeon not only proclaimed that he had seen his salvation, but also told the Mother of our Lord that her share would include a sorrow pierced heart” (Von Huben, “The Feast of the Presentation”).

But there is more - while Jesus will pierce his Mother’s heart, he will reveal the hearts of many.

- True Freedom - Conquering, and Delivering

- What is God doing in this case - freeing Mary from pre-conceived ideas of salvation and bringing true salvation.

Conclusion:

Ending exercise – Write on a note card what Jesus is revealing to you.