Like I have recently I will share my notes in this blog before I post the recording. For those who live near Dupree, we will have our Christmas Program Service Sunday, Dec. 18 starting at 10 a.m. There will be refreshments afterwards. And there will be a Christmas Eve service at 4 p.m. Christmas Eve.
Now onto the notes:
Lights are unique to Christmas.
It's exciting to celebrate a new event at Christmas.
Luke 2:21 -- 38
Preparation for Christmas!
Simeon and Anna had been anticipating Christ's arrival for decades.
Once Simeon saw Jesus he could have walked away -- instead he rejoiced, worshipped God and prophesied.
He prophesies Jesus is not just the Savior for Israel. He is also the Savior for the Gentiles.
At this time:
Rome was occupying Israel (and not nice about it).
Evil Herod was the king.
"A sword will pierce your own soul" Luke 2:35a
(Israel had been praying for the Messiah but they missed him because He didn't come as they thought He would. Do we miss God because He doesn't answer prayers the way we wanted Him too? Do we miss the answers?,,,,these are my thoughts while my mind wandered)
Consolation= to console, to comfort.
Jesus was the promised Comforter!
Anna -- spends all her time fasting and praying, A real prayer warrior. Prayer warriors in the church are often there all the time and become almost invisible, not noticed by others. People probably no longer noticed Anna, the old lady, at the temple.
Redemption = brought out of slavery. You can't redeem yourself. Another person/party must redeen you.
"And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God"
The quiet one got LOUD!
That kind of anticipation:
#1 Celebration of Jesus' birth.
#2 Anticipation of His return, the second coming! Possibly be like Anna in anticipation of the 2nd coming.
So many lost. Time will be up. Every knee will bow (Romans 4:11).
Psalm 103:1-5
Anticipating the future. That is our hope!