Hope Restored

A Glimpse of Glory: Hope Restored This Christmas

Bible Passage: Luke 2:25–35

Summary: In these verses, Simeon, a righteous and devout man, encounters the infant Jesus at the Temple. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Simeon recognizes Jesus as the Christ and proclaims that He is the salvation for all people, bringing hope and light to the nations while revealing the hearts of many.

Application: This passage can help Christians reflect on the deeper meaning of Christmas beyond the festivities. It reminds us that, like Simeon, we can find hope in Jesus amidst life’s uncertainties and challenges. It encourages us to foster a spirit of anticipation for the hope that Jesus brings in our daily struggles and relationships.

Teaching: This sermon can teach that true hope comes from recognizing and embracing Jesus as our Savior. Just as Simeon waited for the Messiah, believers are encouraged to wait with expectation and faith for the fulfillment of God's promises, especially during challenging times.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation—He is the light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. Throughout Scripture, Christ is the antidote to despair, the hope amidst darkness, and He embodies the restoration of all things lost through sin.

Big Idea: Christmas is not just a holiday; it is a divine reminder that hope is personified in Jesus, who brings light, salvation, and hope to all.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the prophetic background of Simeon's proclamation. Using your Logos library, investigate the connections between Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah and their fulfillment in Christ. Pay attention to any text-critical challenges in interpreting Simeon’s song and how it correlates with the themes of hope and salvation throughout Scripture.

Luke 2:25–35 NIV

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.”

1. We Anticipate!

Luke 2:25–26 NIV

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.

Just as Simeon we must wait expectedly for what Christ calls for us.

This is a season of anticipation

Simeon was waiting on the “consolation of Israel”

The start of the Messianic Age

Jesus’ birth

Simeon is only mentioned here, he is largely unknown, but he has a special part to play

He has been told that he will see the Messiah before he passes

Can you imagine this special calling?

He was anticipating rhe coming Christ

What do you anticipate today?

Job, sports, presents

We are to always remain vigilant, faithful and hopeful in all circumstances

He was waiting on the future hope

400 years of silence

You could explore how Simeon's waiting represents the human condition of longing and anticipation. Emphasizing that, like Simeon, believers should remain faithful and hopeful even when circumstances seem stagnant or bleak is essential. Christ is presented here as the fulfillment of long-awaited promises, which encourages us to trust God's timing and His faithfulness to His word, reinforcing the message of Christmas as a season of hope and fulfillment.

2. We Recognize!

Luke 2:27–30 NIV

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,

Simeon recognized Jesus as the Messiah

He was so in tune with the Spirit that he was led

This was his life’s calling

Essentially says now he can die

Can re recognize the calling of the spirit in our lives?

Do we experience the hope that only comes from His calling?

Do you see salvation in the Christ child this Christmas season?

Perhaps focus on Simeon's joyous recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. Highlight that Simeon's encounter teaches us about divine appointments and the joy that comes from realizing God’s promises. This point emphasizes the importance of spiritual sensitivity and openness to divine revelation, inspiring believers to look for God's hand in their lives, especially during the Christmas season, and to rejoice in the hope that Christ presents.

3. We Declare!

Luke 2:31–35 NIV

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.”

Simeon declares Christ as the messiah

He knew it when he saw Him

Do you know it today?

HAve you experienced Him?

HAve you shared

Are you using Christmas as an opportunity to show Christ to others?

Jesus is the light

GEntiles are mentioned here, thats us!

Simeon let’s MAry and JOseph know the difficult life ahead for Christ

Maybe explore Simeon's prophetic declaration regarding Jesus’ role in salvation. The universality of the Gospel, as Simeon proclaims Jesus as a light for the Gentiles and glory for Israel, can be a focal point, illustrating how Christ provides hope and salvation for all. This reinforces the sermon’s big idea that Christmas is about celebrating Jesus as the world's hope, despite trials and tribulations, urging us to spread this hope to others.

You could introduce this passage by emphasizing the abundant mercy of God and how it births hope in our hearts. This provides an opportunity to explore how, despite our failures and struggles, God's mercy is a constant source of renewal and strength. Highlight how this mercy is not just a concept but a transformative power that renews us every day.

Conclusion

After 400 years of Silence Hope has arrived

Simeon’s whole life was sepnt waiting

Are you waiting today?

Do you have hope, or do oyu feel hopeless?

The babe we celebrate is the pinnacle of hope

His birth, life and death declare it

Have you been waiting for your calling?

Are you ready to recieve it?