Focus
Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.
Read
Luke 2:22-38 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”
And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Reflect
The Christmas season has passed. Christ has been born in our hearts. In our passage today, we read about Anna, the prophetess. When she saw the baby Jesus the text says she “began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.” This should be our response, as well.
We have work to do now that Christ has been born in our hearts. We are called to go and tell. We are to be witnesses to the redemption of the world in Jesus Christ! If you would like to end your time with a hymn, read the lyrics or listen to the old hymn, “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” The hymn recaps the joy of the birth of Christ and proclaims to the world the peace and redemption found in Christ. We should proclaim it from the mountain tops!
Pray
Lord, Help me to be like Anna. Help me to sing loud praises and to you from the depths of my heart and give me words to speak about Jesus to all who are looking for redemption. Amen
Go with God!
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