Anna and Simeon

She was old. Really old. She had lived a normal life, having married, and then lived as a widow. For the past years, she lived as a prophetess, fasting and praying and never leaving the temple. She spent her time worshipping, and waiting for the Messiah.

And then she saw him. The Messiah.

The poor, young couple had brought him to the temple for his circumcision and consecration to God. They made an offering of two pigeons, and then ran into Simeon. The Holy Spirit had told him he would not die until he saw the Messiah, the “consolation of Israel.” When he saw Jesus, he took him in his arms and praised God.

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

Simeon then told Mary that a sword would pierce her heart.

Anna and Simeon lived their lives in expectation, waiting for the coming of the Messiah, the Savior. They met him and everything changed. Their lives had been spent waiting, and now the waiting was over. From here on their lives would be about witness, and about worship.

As we prepare for Christmas, every day should be about the same things, witness and worship. As we go about the busy-ness of this next week, we are witnesses to the difference Jesus makes in our lives, and we worship him in gratitude. As we interact with people at work, at school, in the mall or in the parking lot, we are witness to the joy and the hope we have in Jesus.

Anna lived her life looking forward to the redemption of Israel, embodied in this tiny baby. We live looking back, grateful for the life of this man, Jesus.

How will you worship today?