Christmas is Over…Now What?

God was doing something new, something through His Son, Jesus. Jesus was coming to bring hope and fulfill the promises he made in the Old Testament.

Simeon and Anna were two believers who were waiting on God to act in their world. And they saw God do something big.

Anticipation

Can you imagine what it was like to spend your life, your whole life waiting on God? We just saw the effects of anticipation Christmas morning as our kids saw their gifts. I admit that their anticipation was greater when they were younger, and I sometimes miss the great anticipation, the giddiness they used to have.

If you could describe Simeon in one word it was anticipation. He was given a promise to see the consolation of Israel, and he was waiting for it. His entire life was spent anticipating this moment. Why did he anticipate it? Because he trusted the Lord. He trusted that God would do

are we anticipating God to do big things in 2024?

Dedication

Anticipation without discipline is setting up for failure. Anna told many "who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem" but only she and Simeon saw Jesus that day, why? Because they were disciplined and dedicated. Dedication is rewarded by Christ.

William Carey spent years preaching before God blessed his ministry in India.

Simeon and Anna embodied all that was good in Israelite piety. To those who follow Christ, their similarities are wonderfully encouraging. First, both were aged. New Testament scholars R. E. Brown and I. H. Marshall believe the text says that Anna was a widow for eighty-four years, and that depending upon what age she was married, she was probably 103 to 105 years old. Though Simeon’s age is not given, the text suggests that he also was advanced in years. Their stooped profiles announced their age to all who approached. Up-close onlookers observed their age-spotted hands and the translucent skin around veined eyes—but also saw evidence of souls that were young and growing.

Both were also devoted to God.

R. Kent Hughes, Luke: That You May Know the Truth, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1998), 94.

Are you dedicated to God this year. God blesses the simple dedication of his people.

Conversation

Simeon was a man of simple faith and prayer. Anna was known for seeking the Lord daily in prayer at the Temple. Prayer was a cornerstone of their faith. We'll never see God do big things unless we pray big prayers.

Big Audacious Prayers like the ones prayed throughout scripture:

Prayers like:

The Bible is full of them. Prayers like:

“Now show me your glory.” (Moses)“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” (Asaph)“My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” (Jairus)“Rabbi, I want to see.” (A blind man)

We cannot expect big things to happen if we don't exercise the simple act of prayer.

Submission

Simeon came to the temple because he was submissive to the Leading of the Holy Spirit. They saw God act because they were submissive. Submission says, “Lord, I’ll do anything.”

Listen to the word of this old Hymn penned by Mary Brown:

It may not be on the mountain’s height,

Or over the stormy sea;

It may not be at the battle’s front

My Lord will have need of me;

But if by a still, small voice He calls

To paths I do not know,

I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine,

I’ll go where You want me to go.

I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,

O’er mountain, or plain, or sea;

I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord,

I’ll be what you want me to be.

Perhaps today there are loving words

Which Jesus would have me speak;

There may be now, in the paths of sin

Some wand’rer whom I should seek.

O Saviour, if Thou wilt be my Guide,

Tho' dark and rugged the way,

My voice shall echo the message sweet,

I’ll say what you want me to say.

I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,

O’er mountain, or plain, or sea;

I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord,

I’ll be what you want me to be.

There’s surely somewhere a lowly place

In earth’s harvest fields so wide,

Where I may labor thro' life’s short day

For Jesus, the Crucified.

So, trusting my all to Thy care,

I know Thou lovest me!

I’ll do Thy will with a heart sincere,

I’ll be what you want me to be.

I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,

O’er mountain, or plain, or sea;

I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord,

I’ll be what you want me to be.