In Luke 2:25-38 we meet two more ‘incidental’ characters in the Christmas story, Simeon and Anna. Simeon was an old man who was righteous and devout and full of the Holy Spirit. Anna was an old widow, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. Both were deeply in love with God and were waiting for His Messiah to come. Of Simeon, Luke tells us, ‘It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.’ (Luke 2:26) Of Anna, we learn ‘she never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying.’ (Luke 2:37)
Their love for God was rewarded by seeing Jesus as His parents brought Him into the temple. Simeon knows the peace of God as he holds the baby in his arms and prophesies over him. (Luke 2:28-32) Anna ‘gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.’ (Luke 2:38)
We know nothing else about these two people, but their love for God shines through these verses. May our love for God shine through to our families and communities; may our words this Christmas time be all about the child who brings redemption to the world.
