In The Quiet Moments of Celebration

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Anticipation is a wonderful thing, and reflection is often a satisfaction to the soul. We work hard putting together special programs, meals and parties to celebrate the birth of our Savior and to share the love we have for our family and friends. Yet, it can be exhausting – even when we’ve tried to simplify. It is easy to let the anticipation, preparation and festivities of our celebrations absorb all of our time and energy, and before we know it we can easily miss out on those precious moments of worship and reflection.

So, today, if you are taking the time to read this, I’m assuming you are taking the time to grab a moment of solitude and a little time for reflection. Hopeful to receive a boost to your spirit or a word of encouragement for your heart. Me too! And, here’s where my thoughts turned tonight as I write to you.

We are all familiar with the Biblical account of Jesus’ birth. The angel’s visits to Mary and Joseph. The miraculous moments between Mary and Elizabeth. The angels’ proclamation to the shepherds and the visit of the magi. But, there’s one story that we often skim over in the second half of Luke 2. It is the story telling about the day when Jesus, the firstborn boy in his new family, was consecrated to the Lord. On this 8th day of Jesus’ life, we find his parents dutifully presenting him to the Lord as was prescribed by the Law, and it is the day he will be circumcised and officially named. This was an important day!

While at the temple, Mary and Joseph encounter two very special people, Simeon and Anna. Both have been waiting for God’s revelation in the promised Messiah. Simeon is described as a “righteous and devout” man, and Anna is a prophetess who has spent the majority of her life in fasting and prayer. Their words of proclamation and thanksgiving had to have been of tremendous encouragement to these first-time parents who were walking by faith in a way we can only try to imagine.

When Simeon saw Jesus, he took him in his arms and praised God! He said, “Sovereign Lord...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 the glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32) How did Mary and Joseph respond? The Bible says that they marveled at his words. They were filled with wonder and astonishment! Talk about some great, and unexpected, confirmation to all that the angels (and prophets) had foretold.

If that wasn’t enough, God sent Anna to confirm what Mary and Joseph were witnessing. The Bible says that she came up to them, and “She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38b) Wow! We love it when someone admires our child, and we definitely appreciate kind words of encouragement. Anything to hold onto during those early days of parenthood when you’re severely sleep deprived and you wonder if your body will ever be anything more than the local dairy!

These words of adoration and proclamation given through Simeon and Anna are not just meaningful for Mary and Joseph. They are valuable for each of us too! Jesus, a light for revelation to the Gentiles…and the Jews. Jesus, the redemption of Jerusalem and the world! Anna gave thanks to God and had the courage to speak about the child. What great examples we have to follow in the words and lives of both of these faithful servants of the Lord!

You know who also had a huge servant heart in this whole story? Well, both Joseph and Mary exemplified sacrifice and servanthood, but we have the actual words of Mary to hold onto when she answered the angel with a submissive heart, “I am the Lord’s servant.” (Luke 1:38a) So, the question that I have to ask myself and you is this: Are you willing to be the Lord’s servant in the days ahead - no matter what God may be calling you to do? Are you willing to submit to that calling in your life and in the year to come? 

We have the opportunity to follow in Anna’s footsteps by speaking about Jesus so that others may look forward to an eternal home in heaven! How God may shape those opportunities are unique to each of our lives and our situations. We can trust Him to follow through and give us the strength to step out in faith or to simply trust Him as life unfolds before us.

As you anticipate, enjoy or reflect on Christmas this week may you find an even greater sense of adoration and wonder as you consider our marvelous Savior, Jesus! In your quiet moments of worship, may you cry out in praise and adoration to our Almighty God just as Mary did - “His mercy extends to those who fear him from generation to generation.” (Luke 1:51) 

Merry Christmas!



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