Advent Gems #22

Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Two people of note who are often overlooked in the Advent story are Simeon and Anna. Their stories are told in Luke 2:25-36.

When Jesus was 8 days old, Mary and Joseph brought him the five miles from Bethlehem to the Temple in Jerusalem. In complying with the law of Moses, Jesus was to be circumcised on his 8th day. 8 is the number of new beginnings. Our Lord was beginning is earthly life as a child of the covenant. It is on that day that we meet Simeon and Anna.

Luke 2:25-35: And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: "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.''

“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.''

The Messiah is the Consolation of Israel and the light to Gentiles as was prophesied in Isaiah 60: Isaiah 60:1-3: “ Arise, shine; For your light has come! and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”

Jesus reaches into our deepest thoughts and emotions. He comforts, heals and brings the light of truth. He is our consolation in a world of darkness and despair. Simeon also spoke of the heartbreak Mary would face as she stood at the foot of the cross.

Standing nearby was Anna. Luke 2:36-38: “36. 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.”

Despite her widowhood, Anna served in the Temple. She kept her relationship with the Lord fresh and strong through fasting and prayer in spite of her great age. She was in her nineties. Even at that age, she wasn’t a pew sitter. She preached the Word of God to all those who wanted to hear.

I am now in my 80’s. Anna’s spirit resonates with mine. My desire is to continue sharing the Word even as I am of a “great age.”