“Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “Listen carefully: This child is destined to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be rejected. Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will
“For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light, for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:30-32 Into the Text Simeon gives us a beautiful and true description of the baby in his
“Simeon took him in his arms and blessed God, saying, “Now, according to your word, Sovereign Lord, permit your servant to depart in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation” Luke 2:28-30 Into the Text It’s an amazing scene. Simeon, an old man, took a little baby in
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will cause you to remember everything I said to you.” John 14:26 Into the Text Simeon was a living reminder to the people in Israel that they should not forget
“He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 Into the Text Many people in the Old Testament had been waiting for the Savior whom God would send into the world. He had announced it first in Genesis 3:15 and many more times through the following centuries. When
“Because of our God’s tender mercy, the dawn will break upon us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79 Into the Text Zechariah beautifully described how God’s
“John replied, “No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven.” John 3:27 Into the Text Zechariah rightly understood that his son was not the promised king. When he praised God in song, he did it in front of all those gathered for the
“that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, may serve him without fear,” Luke 1:74 Into the Text Zechariah was a faithful Jew who believed all the covenant promises made by God in the Old Testament. He knew that the Messiah was coming to rescue His people
“For he has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,” Luke 1:69 Into the Text For centuries, the nation of Israel had been oppressed by foreign powers. The Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, and Greeks had ruled over them. Now, they were under
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, because he has come to help and has redeemed his people.” Luke 1:68 Into the Text Zechariah spent more than nine months in silence. God had rebuked him for his unbelief of the angel’s words that his wife Elizabeth would finally have