Simeon and Anna (Hannah): Blessing the Christ Child 

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

In relating the Christmas story, we often overlook the significance of Simeon and Anna (her Hebrew name is Hannah.)  These two elderly people, who had long waited for the coming of Messiah, picture the hope, the contentment, the fulfillment of the coming of Messiah into each of our lives. 

They picture the ministry that can come in our glory years.  (Proverbs 16:31 (NKJV): ^“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness.”

We must never feel that we no longer have a ministry. I often think of a lovely lady in her nineties who used to call me, a young mother, and say, “Honey, I have some extra time today.  Is there anything you want me to pray about?”  Always, I poured out my heart to her and she prayed, comforted and consoled.  She had the spirit of Simeon and Anna. 

  

We learn much from knowing the meanings of Biblical names.  Simeon means one that hears or obeys; one that is heard. Simeon was obedient to the call of God on his life.  It had been prophesied that he would not die until he had see the Messiah.

Luke 2:29-32 (NKJV)   "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel."

Simeon was righteous man who spent his waiting for the Savior. He was waiting  for the comfort  promised in Isaiah 40:1 (NKJV)  "Comfort, yes, comfort My people!" Says your God. Upon seeing the Christ Child, Simeon called forth the salvation of both Gentiles and Jews who will accept the light of Jesus Christ into their lives.

Luke 2:33-36 (NKJV) : "And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." 

 

Simeon revealed that Jesus will shake up the world around Him.  Not everyone will accept Him as Lord and Savior.  Many will speak out against Him. Mary will suffer the heartbreak of seeing her Son suffering on the Cross. Salvation came with a price.

In times of persecution and vilification, Christians in every age are call to pay the price of salvation as well:  

Matthew 16:24-26 (NKJV): ^“Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”  

We, too, are to shake up the world around us.  How do we do it?

It is a spiritual war and we must come in the opposite spirit of the one that permeates so much of the world today.  The world will be shaken by our words and our behavior.

And that brings us to Anna.

Luke 2:36-38 (NKJV); “Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;  and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.  And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”

Anna lived in the Temple.  That speaks of relationship with the Lord.  Her name means gracious; merciful; one that gives. She was the daughter Phanuel.  Phanuel means face or vision of God.  She was of the tribe of Asher.  Asher means happiness.

Her relationship with the Lord brought mercy and grace into her life.  She had the gift of prophecy and with it visions from the Lord.  Therefore, she happily awaited the fulfillment of God’s word. After that, at the age of eighty-four she preached redemption.

As we walk through this world, may we shine forth the spirit of Simeon and Anna.  May we be obedient, merciful and happy because the joy of the Lord is our strength. The world needs our strength and our joy.

 Blessing for the New Year

Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Matthew 5:2-12 (NKJV)

And opening His mouth He began to teach them, saying, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. "Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Blessing for the new year:

May you know the difference between humility and humiliation.  Humility brings the riches of the Kingdom into our lives.  Humiliation brings only shame.  May you be willing to mourn, to pour out your broken heart before the Lord.  Then the Comforter will calm your spirit and pour the balm of Gilead on your woundedness.  May you tread upon the earth gently for then it is yours.  May you stand always for that which is right in the eyes of God.  Then your destiny will be fulfilled.  May you continually pour out mercy upon others so that the Lord can continually pour out mercy upon you.  May you desire purity so that you can see and understand the things of God.  May you walk in His peace and share that peace with those around you.  May you be comforted in the knowledge that though others persecute you, you can still rejoice because He has overcome the world.  May you live your life in such a way that if others falsely accuse and vilify you, no one will believe them.  May this year be one full of rejoicing and gladness because of your trust in the true and living God.  Please note that the rejoicing comes first and then the gladness.  Rejoice until you are overflowing with gladness because the joy of the Lord is your strength.  

Declare that in spite of your circumstances and because of your relationship with your Savior, this year will be one filled with the fruit of the spirit being manifested in your life. Determine that during this year you will grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23). 

 

Advent Gem #25

Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Christmas Blessing

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

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God has given us a blessing in the person of His son. While this verse looks into the future when Christ shall reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, it is also a promise for now. While the future fulfillment is global, the present fulfillment is personal and individual.

Unto each of us as individuals, the Son of God has been given. The greatest blessing of this Christmas, and every Christmas is when we truly allow Christ to be Emmanuel, God with me.

No matter what is happening in the world, we can walk in the promises of the Kingdom of Heaven. Emmanuel transcends the world. We must allow ourselves to be blessed. We must be willing to lay down frustration and confusion and rest in Him.

May this be our Christmas declaration:

I praise the Lord for unto me the Son of God has been given. The government, direction and purpose of my life rest upon His shoulders. He has said that His thoughts toward me are good in order to give me a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). I will allow Him to govern my life so that I might walk hopefully toward tomorrow.

I stand amazed at the wonder of who He is, Creator, Sustainer, Light and Love. His wisdom and counsel surpass even the greatest philosophers and counselors that have every walked the pages of history.

He is the Mighty God, El Shaddai. He is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent. Because of His love for me, I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37).

He is the Everlasting Father. He is the same yesterday, today and forever more (Hebrews 13:8).

He is the Prince of Peace. Because His peace is not as the world gives, I will not allow my heart to be troubled or afraid (John 14:27).

I declare with the army of God, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Amen

 Advent Gem #24

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Matthew 2:1-10: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.''

“When Herod the king heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.'

''Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.''

“When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.”

Matthew 2:12-15: “Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.''

“When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I called My Son.

Proverbs 16:9: “A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

The Wise Men had carefully planned their trip. However, they were wise enough to listen to the Word of God and to change those plans.

Proverbs 19:21: “You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail”

Herod made plans, but he could not thwart the purpose of God.

Joseph, in faith, followed the counsel of God. We seldom speak of the provision of God for the Holy Family’s sojourn in Egypt. We often speak of them as impoverished. Remember the gifts of the Wise Men. Gold, frankincense and were expensive products in ancient times. God sent His loved ones into Egypt with abundance.

Matthew6: 26,33: "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

The Lord God Almighty is our provision as well.

 Advent Gems #23

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Matthew 2:1-2 (NKJV)

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, ying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

Matthew 2:11 (NKJV)

“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

Most Christians know much of the tradition associated with the Magi, but little of the significance. Scripture does not tell us how many came to worship the King of the Jews; their names and ethnicities are not included in the Biblical account; they did not visit the manger in Bethlehem; they visited a young Child living in a house; only they saw the star.

We can be sure that the Wise Men were well versed in the Hebrew scriptures. They must have recognized the unusual star as a fulfillment of Numbers 24:17: "I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, And batter the brow of Moab, And destroy all the sons of tumult.”

The star recalls the pillar of fire that the Israelites followed in their wilderness wanderings. It is a picture of the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Wise Men must have also been familiar with the "70 weeks" as described in the book of Daniel which dates the birth of the Messiah as "7 weeks" after Cyrus’ decree for the Jews to return to Israel and rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. They knew when to start looking for the star.

The gifts they presented are likewise meaningful: Gold signifies the divinity of the King; frankincense declares His priesthood; myrrh foretells His sacrifice. Our God is our King and our High Priest who is the sacrifice for our sins. Hallelujah! What a Savior.

Like the Wise Men of old, we are called to walk in wisdom. In their story, God has shown us the way to wisdom. First of all, the Wise Men reverenced God and His word. Proverbs 1:7 admonishes us that reverence for God is the beginning, the foundation, of wisdom. We can never know too much of the word of God. It is knowing and applying the word of God to our lives that allows us to discern between truth and falsehood, between good and evil, between darkness and light.

Secondly, just as the Wise Men relentlessly followed the star, we must persevere in following the guidance of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Our purpose in submitting to the Holy Spirit is to worship and honor God in everything that we do. In doing so, those with wisdom. One of my favorite praise songs is “Turn My Heart” by Lynn DeShazo. The song describes a lifestyle of worship.

“Turn my heart, O Lord,

By Your hand

Till my whole life flows

In the river of Your Spirit

And my name brings honor

To the Lamb

And my name brings honor

To the Lamb”

May we, like the Magi, come to a deeper understanding that as our Savior and Redeemer, He is our King and our High Priest. He suffered the agony of Calvary that we might be delivered from the agony of eternal suffering.

Those with wisdom know His word, walk in His guidance, acknowledge the finished work of the cross, and worship Him. Those with wisdom live in such a way that their names bring honor to the Lamb.

 

Advent Gems #22

Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Luke 2: 8-18: Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.'' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!'' So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.'' And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.”

The shepherds saw the angels. They did not see the star.

The heavenly host are not beautiful, blonde women strumming harps. The heavenly host are the army of God. The Hebrew word translated “host” is “saboath” which means “armies”. In Luke 2:13, the Greek word “stratia” is used. “Stratia” also means “armies.”

 

Advent Gem #21

Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Luke 2: 1-7: “And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

During that period in Judean history, many homes were built over natural caves or at least hallowed out basements. The first floor usually consisted of at least two rooms, a large room where most of the family activities took place and a smaller room that was used for storage and/or a guest room. The cave below was used as a stable.

Whether Joseph and Mary travelled to Bethlehem for only the registration or for both the registration and one of the feast days, little Bethlehem must have been crowded. Bethlehem residents often cleared both the stable and the guest room for friends and family who were traveling. The word often translated as “inn” is in Hebrew “kataluma”, which is a lodging place or a guest chamber. Because there was no room for them in the kataluma, they were invited to stay in the stable which had probably been cleaned in anticipation of an overflow of guests.

“While they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered” suggests that perhaps they may have been in Bethlehem several days before Jesus was born. It is also probable that the place where they were staying might have belonged to a close relative.

While the inn keeper is a standard character in Christmas pageants, no innkeeper is mentioned in scripture. No matter when the birth of Jesus occurred, some animals may have been present in the stable. However, they did not speak at midnight. No matter how much we love “The Little Drummer Boy”, no little lad appeared that night to play his drum for the Christ Child.

What is important is that He was born on the land where His ancestor, King David, was born. His being born in Bethlehem establishes Him as the rightful heir to the throne of David. Luke 1:32-33: “32. "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.''