Thursday 12/16 - Simeon Meets Jesus

In my opinion, one of the sweetest Christmas stories is the one we're talking about today.  In Jerusalem, there was an old man named Simeon who had faithfully served God in the temple for his entire life.  For years, he had prayed for the Messiah to come, and the Holy Spirit had told him that he would live to see the Messiah.   Although Simeon never knew when this would happen, his trust in God had never wavered.  On this special day, when Jesus was 8 days old, Mary and Joseph took him to the temple.  Simeon saw him and immediately knew it was the Messiah!  He had waited so long!  He had trusted God, and God had kept His promise.  Luke 2:28-32 (NIV 2010 translation) tells us Simeon's sweet prayer:

"Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:  

'Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel."

Also at the temple was a very old prophetess named Anna.  She also had been waiting for the Messiah.  When she saw Jesus, she thanked God and told everyone there about the Messiah.

Read it in the Bible in:  Luke 2:22-32
Dinner conversation starter:  Why do you think Simeon was so excited to see Jesus?

It's amazing to read how excited everyone was to see Jesus!  Sometimes, we hear this story so much that we forget how exciting it is.  Let us know how this conversation goes!