Podcasts about Simeon

Today’s Topics: 1) Gospel – Luke 2:22-35 – When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the Child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to Him, he took Him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Lord, now let your servant go in peace; Your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which You prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal You to the nations and the glory of Your people Israel.” The Child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about Him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Memorial of Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr Saint Thomas, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Terry discusses the true meaning of the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas

Scripture: Luke 2:21-40The Greatest Story SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you can access additional resources to enrich your Walk with God. The central message of Christmas, found in Luke 2:11, is "Christ the Savior is born." Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, the promised Messiah, brings hope and peace to the world. This phrase symbolizes Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy, His divine identity as God's Son, and His mission as Redeemer. This is God's story—His master plan. Scene 1: Zechariah and Elizabeth (Luke 1:13-25)Scene 2: The angel, Gabriel, visits Mary in Nazareth (Luke 1:26-38) Scene 3: Joseph's Dream (Matthew 1:18-25) Scene 4: Mary Visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45)Scene 5: Jesus' birth in Bethlehem is witnessed by angels and shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)In Scene 6, Joseph and Mary take Jesus to the temple for purification as required by the law of Moses. Two trustworthy witnesses, Simeon and Anna, who had faithfully walked with God for many years and waited for this child—God's gift—were present. Anna shares the good news of Jesus, and Simeon proclaims, “My eyes have seen Your salvation.” “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; 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 2:29-32 Song: He Came Down - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEPUvf9IhQk&list=RDIEPUvf9IhQk&start_radio=1

Luke 2:22-35 – Waiting Simeon

What does it look like when Christmas moves from a holiday to a personal encounter with Christ? In Luke 2, Simeon and Anna show us what happens when faith becomes sight and hope becomes reality. Join Jim Scudder on InGrace as he explores how meeting Jesus changes everything—even after Christmas was over.

In week three of The Promise Advent series, Jackie Glass reminded us that Christmas celebrates not only what God did—sending a Savior—but what God is still doing: keeping on saving. Through the stories of Simeon and Anna, she showed how seasons of silence are not signs of God's absence, but sacred spaces where God is attuning our hearts for His saving work. As we wait, we're invited to name both our longing and the God who meets us in it—our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.      

At 40 days of age, baby Jesus was brought by His mother and father to be dedicated to the Lord. It was the same custom every faithful Jewish parents would fulfill with their firstborn son. But this one was different - and a man named Simeon knew it. Simeon saw Jesus as a light of revelation for the world. The birth of Jesus is meant to bring to light the purposes of God in our very lives today.

We live between the kingdom that Jesus began and fully stepping into Jesus' kingdom that is hasn't come yet. Simeon was waiting to see God's chosen one because God had promised him that before his death, he would see the deliverer. After losing her husband when she was young, Anna devoted the rest of her long life to worship, prayer, and serving others in the Temple. Both elderly believers found great joy by meeting Jesus when he was an infant. Their example teaches us how to live between what God has already done and not yet completed as well as how to live faithfully in each in-between space of life.Support the show

Read OnlineThere was a prophetess, Anna… She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.  And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.  Luke 2:36–38Like Simeon, Anna was among those “awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” She belonged to the faithful remnant of Israel who believed in the prophecies, understood the Messiah's spiritual and salvific role, and awaited His coming with great hope.Because Anna “never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer,” she was deeply attuned to God's voice. Her life of prayer made her sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, especially on that glorious day when Jesus was presented and ritually redeemed in the Temple.Imagine Mary and Joseph's reaction to Simeon's prophetic words and then to Anna's. They might have expected the ritual offering and dedication to be a routine event. Yet, the joy and prophetic words of Simeon and Anna must have filled them with awe and wonder at the profound mystery of their Child's identity and mission.Like Simeon and Anna, we are called to be part of the faithful remnant today. The chaos and immorality that plague our world can easily lead to discouragement or anger. When this turmoil is close to home, within our families or communities, it becomes even more challenging. Anna's example in today's Gospel offers us a powerful model of how to live our lives. While most of us cannot remain in church night and day, fasting and praying, we are all called to carry the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within us, making our souls temples of God.Saint Teresa of Ávila speaks highly of the prayer of recollection, a practice that helps us become more aware of God's presence within. This prayer takes place on two levels. First, “active” recollection is an intentional meditation in which we seek God within the temple, or “castle,” of our souls. It's an active turning inward to find God dwelling within us by grace.Over time, as we deepen in this prayer, it becomes “passive” recollection. God begins to take the lead, and we sense His presence more profoundly throughout the day, calling us to be with Him in the temple of our souls. Those who practice these forms of recollection are like Anna who spent day and night in the Temple, attuned to God's voice.Reflect, today, on God's invitation to imitate Anna's life of prayer. By following her example, you, too, will become more attuned to the voice of God and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. You will recognize the many ways the Messiah comes to you and is present all around you. This grace will empower you to overcome the evils and challenges of the world, making you a member of God's faithful remnant, awaiting His consolation and redemption.Most glorious Messiah, You see the chaos in our world, and You come to those who seek You to deliver them and set them free. Help me to become a member of Your faithful remnant, always turning to You in trust and seeking You day and night. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via picrylSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

The Canticle of Simeon illustrates how we respond when our spiritual sight reveals God at work in our lives. (Lectionary #202) December 29, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

And [Mary and Joseph] brought [Jesus] up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord …. Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon …. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. … he [Simeon] took Him [Jesus] up in his arms and blessed God …. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed ….” (Luke 2:22b, 25a, 26, 28a, 34)

Gospel Luke 2:22-35 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: "Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel." The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Reflection In this week of readings, we're going to see a repeated pattern. Ordinary individuals, not people of the temple, not people of high learning, are manifesting to Mary and Joseph something so extraordinary about their son. Simeon represents the waiting, the long waiting of Israel for this moment, and he, as a symbol of faith, has always believed that the Messiah would come. He walks into the temple and encounters Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, and knows somehow, deep inside of him, this is the one. It's a beautiful image of the way the Holy Spirit works in ordinary people, and how he affirms the promises that are unfolding daily in our life. Closing Prayer Father, make us attentive to those around us who carry perhaps a way of seeing that we don't see. Let us pay attention to the fact that you always seem to work with others, to be able to work with us. Help us to read the signs of those around us. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Through the story of Simeon and Anna's encounter with the Christ child in the temple, we explore the four pillars of a hope that sustains us through every season. Learn why biblical hope isn't just a sunny disposition—it is rooted in God's Word, animated by his Spirit, perpetuated by his presence, and fulfilled by his provision.

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/123025.cfmFather Chris Alar, MIC reflects on the coming Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the Purification of Mary — a mystery often misunderstood, and sometimes misused, to challenge the Church's teaching on Our Lady. What appears, at first glance, to be a ritual of purification reveals instead a profound lesson in obedience, humility, and grace.Mary did not submit to the law because she was sinful. Her purification was legal, not moral — a requirement of Mosaic law tied to childbirth, not guilt. Just as Jesus did not need Baptism yet freely accepted it, Mary did not need purification yet humbly embraced it. Grace raised her above the law, Fr. Chris explains, but humility placed her beneath it. Together, Jesus and Mary show us that obedience to God's law is not weakness, but witness.The Presentation also reminds us that every child belongs first to God. In the ancient law, the firstborn was not owned by the parents, but lent to them by the Lord. Parenthood, therefore, is stewardship — a sacred trust for which we will one day answer. Faith must be passed on by example, just as Mary and Joseph lived the law faithfully before their Son.Father Chris then turns our attention to Simeon and Anna, the “quiet in the land.” They did not seek power, spectacle, or influence. They waited in silence, prayer, and hope. Their lives testify that holiness is not measured by activity, but by fidelity. This is a special word of encouragement for the homebound and forgotten: quiet prayer, offered faithfully, shapes salvation history.Finally, Simeon's prophecy confronts us with a sobering truth. Christ does not condemn us — we judge ourselves by our response to Him. When His law meets a heart that loves, it lifts us up. When it meets indifference or rejection, we turn away on our own. Salvation is not a one-time declaration, but a daily surrender. Like  St. Thérèse of Lisieux taught, we are not called to climb to heaven by our strength, but to place ourselves in Christ's hands and let Him do the lifting.Grace invites. Humility responds. And the hand of Jesus raises all who are willing to endure in Him ★ Support this podcast ★

When the days were completed for their purificationaccording to the law of Moses,the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalemto present him to the Lord,just as it is written in the law of the Lord,Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,and to offer the sacrifice ofa pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.This man was righteous and devout,awaiting the consolation of Israel,and the Holy Spirit was upon him.It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spiritthat he should not see deathbefore he had seen the Christ of the Lord.He came in the Spirit into the temple;and when the parents brought in the child Jesusto perform the custom of the law in regard to him,he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:"Lord, now let your servant go in peace;your word has been fulfilled:my own eyes have seen the salvationwhich you prepared in the sight of every people,a light to reveal you to the nationsand the glory of your people Israel."The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,"Behold, this child is destinedfor the fall and rise of many in Israel,and to be a sign that will be contradicted(and you yourself a sword will pierce)so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

Discover how the faithful examples of Mary and Joseph, along with Simeon and Anna, can transform your perspective as you step into a new year. This message explores Luke 2:22-38 to provide biblical inspiration for a life of devotion and expectancy in 2026. The post New Years Message-Three Examples To Follow-Luke 2v22-38 appeared first on Calvary Chapel Crossover.

Jesus, the fulfilment of the Law - Fr. Lucas Laborde. Click here for today's readings.What would you like to see at the end of your life? What are your aspirations? What are the things you will look back upon when you are older, and will make you say like Simeon: now let your servant go in peace?

Is your light still on? On this fifth day of Christmas, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reflects on the Gospel of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the witness of Simeon — reminding us that Jesus is the Light of the world. From the candles carried on February 2nd, to the baptismal candle entrusted to us at the beginning of our faith journey, and finally to the Paschal candle lit at our funeral — the flame tells the story of a life meant to shine. Christmas is not over. The light is not meant to go out. And we are still called to shine. In the midst of darkness, coldness, and discouragement, ask yourself: ➡️ Is my light still burning? ➡️ Am I allowing Christ's light to shine through me? Let us pray for the grace to keep the flame alive — not just during Christmas, but every day.

Pastor Garry Clark continues his Christmas series on PRAYER! In this message he'll look at a person rarely talked about in the Christmas Story! The Man's name was Simeon, and his actions and prophesies were so important to the Christmas Story!

In this week's sermon, we discuss how we can respond to the birth and coming of Christ even after Christmas. We do this by looking at Mary and Joseph, Simeon, and Anna in the temple shortly after Jesus' birth. Our hope is to remain faithful followers of Christ year round and have that excitement of Christmas regardless of what the calendar says. We're glad that you made it to this sermon! We're also available on Youtube. For more information on our worship services or church as a whole, visit fbcwest.com.

The lecture addresses the final theme of Advent: love, in the context of the connection between the manger and the cross. The speaker reflects on their experiences and observations leading up to Christmas, noting how Christmas decorations evoke a sense of warmth and cheer that contrasts with the somber elements often associated with Easter. This distinction is explored in light of the overarching Christian narrative that binds both events together. Beginning with an examination of the angel's message to Joseph from Matthew 1, the speaker emphasizes the significance of this divine communication amidst Joseph's turmoil upon discovering Mary's unexpected pregnancy. The notion of love is intricately woven into Joseph's acceptance of the angel's words, urging him to embrace Mary and her child, who is to be named Jesus. This connection evokes the deeper truth of Emmanuel—God with us—revealing a profound identification that God has with humanity through the incarnation.Expanding on this, the speaker draws attention to the radical nature of God becoming human and the implications of this miracle. Through the lens of C.S. Lewis, they illustrate the gravity of the incarnation, where God deliberately chooses to experience the fullness of human life, including its pains and joys. This act of humbling is highlighted with poignant examples demonstrating how Jesus understands struggles from a deeply personal level. The lecture articulates that God's intention in becoming human is not for His enlightenment, but for ours—to affirm that He knows our experiences intimately and profoundly.Furthermore, the speaker discusses the duality of reception and imitation as essential applications for the audience. Recognizing the isolation many feel during the holiday season, they encourage the congregation to receive and share God's love actively. They underscore that while God's love draws near to each individual, it also compels believers to reach out and identify with those who are suffering or marginalized, hence reflecting God's love in action. As the discourse transitions to the cross, the focus shifts to the purpose of Jesus' life and death. The speaker revisits the announcement made to Joseph, highlighting that Jesus is destined to save His people from their sins. They acknowledge the mystery of salvation through death and the inherent connection to the manger, reinforcing that Christ's incarnation culminates in His sacrificial love at the cross. This linkage between the manger and the cross is further illuminated by referencing Simeon's prophecy, which anticipates Mary's grief as the mother of a savior whose mission would bring both hope and opposition.The lecture culminates in an invitation to communion, emphasizing the continuity between celebrating the birth of Jesus and acknowledging His sacrificial death. By partaking in communion, attendees are reminded not only of the love that brought Christ to earth but also of the encompassing love that beckons believers to embody the same compassion and empathy demonstrated by Christ. The session ends in a collective confession that seeks to align the hearts of the congregation with the true meaning of love as depicted over Advent and leading into the celebration of Christmas and the promise of new life through Christ.

Pastor Lindsay reflects on Simeon in Luke 2 and what it means to wait on the Lord with hope. In a world that hates waiting, Simeon shows us a holy, faithful kind of waiting, one rooted not in impatience or certainty of outcomes, but in trust that God is bringing comfort and salvation in His time. Exploring the biblical meaning of waiting (qavah), this sermon reminds us that waiting and hoping are deeply connected, and that God uses waiting seasons to develop our faith, not destroy it. Whether we are ending one year or entering a new one, this message invites us to wait with confidence, expectation, and hope, trusting that Jesus, the Light of the World, will come, just as He did for Simeon fmhouston.com

Pastor Roger WilliamsHere we explore the four “songs” of Christmas (Zechariah, Mary, Angels, and Simeon) in light of the four titles of Christ from Isaiah 9:6. This is not a standard service, and the recording is comprised of readings and short reflections. The songs are not included because they were not mixed for recording.

December 28, 2025 God Is Faithful Simeon & Anna Luke 2:22-40 Pastor Jim Rutherford

12/28/25-Dr. Phillip Burden-Jesus-The One worth Waiting For (Simeon's Song) Part 2 by Sermons from FBCOzark

Luke 2:22-38 As we learn about Simeon and Anna's role in the Christmas Story in Luke, we learn how we can partner with raising up and fostering the next generation of Kingdom builders.

What if the most “overlooked” man in the Christmas story is actually one of the most important—and shows us what biblical manhood really looks like? Simeon isn't usually the first name we think of in the Christmas story, but his life gives us one of the clearest pictures of what a real man looks like—righteous, devout, Spirit-filled, hope-driven, Christ-centered, and a blessing to others. As we close out our year of focusing on biblical manhood, we're invited to look deeper: What do we see in Simeon that points us to what a real man truly is? In this week's message, Pastor Adam walks through Luke 2 and shows how Simeon's life wasn't defined by his own strength or status, but by the only One who is the perfect Real Man—Jesus. Because Jesus is the Savior, Salvation Himself, the Revealer of hearts, the Resurrected One, the Strong and Wise God-Man, we can become the men—and women—God calls us to be.

Read OnlineWhen the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Luke 2:22–24Forty days after a firstborn male was born, the law of Moses required that the mother participate in a purification ritual and that the parents were to “redeem” the child by offering a ritual sacrifice. As faithful Jews, Mary and Joseph took these obligations seriously. When they entered the Temple, they were met by a holy man named Simeon, who was among the faithful Jews “awaiting the consolation of Israel.”From its founding, the Kingdom of Israel had endured many troubled times. The last time the Kingdom of Israel had been united was under the reign of King David and his son Solomon in the tenth century B.C. After Solomon's death, the kingdom split into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Northern Kingdom was captured by the Assyrians in 722 B.C., and the Southern Kingdom was conquered by the Babylonians in 586 B.C., leading to the destruction of the First Temple and the exile of many Jews to Babylon for about seventy years. In the centuries that followed, Greek culture was imposed upon the region after the conquest of Alexander the Great, and the Romans finally captured Judah in 63 BC, maintaining control beyond the birth of Christ.This history of oppression and division created various responses among the Jewish people. Many prophets had foretold the coming of the Messiah, the one who would bring consolation to Israel. Some Jews expected the Messiah to be a political leader who would reunite and restore the Kingdom. Others were indifferent to the prophecies. But a faithful remnant, like Simeon, awaited the Messiah who would bring about a profound spiritual renewal.Simeon was not a Pharisee, Sadducee, or scribe, but an ordinary devout Jew filled with the Holy Spirit. It was the Holy Spirit Who revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Messiah. On the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple, Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, came to the Temple and recognized the Christ Child. He took Jesus in his arms and rejoiced, saying, “Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled…”We should all strive to be like Simeon. Like the people of Israel and Judah, we are living in a world where God's Kingdom is often divided or overshadowed by immorality, wars, divisions, and a lack of faith. We might be tempted to address these challenges in various ways, but the best way is to become part of the faithful remnant who, like Simeon, trust in God's promises and eagerly anticipate His transforming action in our lives and in the world. Reflect today on the state of the world. In some places, the Kingdom of God is vibrant and alive; in others, it seems distant or absent. No matter where you find yourself, turn your gaze to the all-powerful Messiah, Who is capable of renewing His Kingdom on Earth as we await its fullness at the end of time. Devote yourself to His mission, and allow the Holy Spirit to inspire you to be an active participant in bringing about the reign of God. My Lord and Messiah, as I see the challenges and divisions in the world around me, help me to trust in Your promises. May I, like Simeon, be filled with faith and hope as I await Your Kingdom. Inspire me to be an instrument of Your grace, helping to build Your Kingdom here on Earth. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Janmad, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Simeon and Anna both had the opportunity to encounter the newborn Jesus because of their prioritized habits. If we are to experience Jesus, we must stay expectant.

Simeon and Anna both had the opportunity to encounter the newborn Jesus because of their prioritized habits. If we are to experience Jesus, we must stay expectant.

Christmas often promises a rush of joy, nostalgia, and good feelings—but those highs fade fast. The manger wasn't meant to be the emotional finish line; it was the beginning of a much bigger story. Through Simeon's encounter with Jesus, we're shown the difference between chasing feelings and finding real fulfillment. Simeon wasn't looking for a holiday buzz—he was waiting for truth, hope, and God's promises to be fulfilled. And when he finally held Jesus, he understood something deeper: joy would come, but it would come through sacrifice, confrontation, and ultimately the cross. Faith doesn't avoid the mess — it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess. (Talk by Joshua Ott)

Because Jesus was a man of sorrows and an opposed sign, we can face the grief of life with confidence and hope. Luke 2:25–35 (ESV): 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

In a world where we constantly question what's authentic—from videos to faces to words—this message grounds us in the timeless truth found in Luke chapter 2. We encounter two remarkable individuals, Simeon and Anna, who immediately recognized Jesus as the real thing when they saw Him in the temple. Their story offers us three powerful clues for discerning spiritual reality in our increasingly confusing age. First, we must give place to the Holy Spirit in our lives. It's not enough that the Spirit dwells within us as believers; we must be filled with the Spirit, which manifests through praise, thanksgiving, and submission to one another. Second, we must practice our worship—not just singing on Sunday mornings, but cultivating a lifestyle of prayer, Scripture reading, and faithful gathering with God's people. Third, we must participate immediately in the Jesus reality, giving God what He doesn't automatically possess: our trust, love, worship, loyalty, heart, and time. As we enter this new year facing unprecedented challenges to truth itself, these ancient witnesses remind us that knowing what's real requires intentional spiritual discipline. The question isn't just whether something is authentic—it's whether we're positioned to recognize the real thing when we encounter it.

What does it mean to truly recognize Jesus?In this final message of our Advent series Come and Behold Him, we turn to the story of Simeon—a man whose entire life was shaped by waiting on a promise personally given by God. In Luke 2, Simeon is led by the Holy Spirit into the temple at just the right moment, where he takes the infant Jesus into his arms and declares, “My eyes have seen your salvation.”This message explores how:Only the Holy Spirit enables true recognition of ChristJesus is revealed as salvation for all people, Jew and Gentile alikeChrist both brings peace and exposes the human heart, dividing and revealing what we truly believeSimeon's encounter reminds us that the Christmas story is not just something to hear—it is something to behold. Christ comforts, confronts, reveals, and redeems. And when we truly see Him, everything changes.Scripture: Luke 2:22–35Waiting ends when salvation is revealed—when the Spirit opens our eyes to behold Christ.#ComeAndBeholdHim #AdventSeries #Simeon #Luke2 #SalvationHasCome #LightOfTheWorld #ChristmasSermon #JesusChrist #GospelTruth

Luke's passage gives us certainty that Jesus is exactly who God promised—He fulfills the Law perfectly, is revealed by the Holy Spirit, and is confirmed by trustworthy witnesses like Simeon and Anna. Their Spirit-led testimony declares that this child is salvation for all people, not just Israel.

Pastor Stephen shares a message for Christmas on Simeon and Anna.Support the show

This powerful message invites us to explore the profound difference between wishful thinking and genuine biblical hope. Through the story of Simeon in Luke 2, we discover that hope is not merely wishing for good outcomes, but rather a life-shaping certainty based on confident expectation in God's promises. Simeon waited his entire life to see the Messiah, and when he finally held baby Jesus in his arms, his hope was realized. His story challenges us to examine where we place our hope. Are we banking on circumstances, relationships, health, or political outcomes? Or is our hope anchored in Christ alone? The message powerfully illustrates this through Margaret Lutley's car accident testimony, where at 89 years old, her first response was gratitude for God's miracles rather than despair over her circumstances. We're reminded that as believers, we possess a hope that transcends our present difficulties because nothing can separate us from God's love. This Advent season calls us to wait as eagerly for Christ's second coming as Simeon waited for His first, finding our certainty not in what we see but in the unchanging promises of God who came as Emmanuel, God with us.

God's promises are not only fulfilled at the end of waiting — they form us along the way. In Luke 2:21–40, we see how God continues His promise in us through faithful waiting, deeply rooted trust, and committed, peaceful praise. Through the lives of Simeon and Anna, we are reminded that God is shaping who we become while we wait on what He has promised.

If anyone deserved to have His name announced by the most important religious and cultural leaders of His day, it would have been Jesus. And yet, as we read through the Gospel of Luke, that’s not what we find. Instead, we encounter ordinary—and if we’re honest, somewhat unassuming—people who play some of the most meaningful roles in Jesus’ story. Luke gently reminds us that Jesus is not only the Messiah for the rich and famous, but the Savior for everyone. This week, we’ll be looking at Simeon and Anna and seeing how God uses faithful, well-seasoned lives to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah—the consolation of Israel. Simeon carries no title, rank, or prestige, yet he recognizes Jesus for who He truly is when many others miss it. Anna, a woman in a world that often preferred women to remain unseen and unheard, becomes one of the boldest voices proclaiming the truth about Jesus. They are ordinary people marked by extraordinary faithfulness to all that God had promised. Simeon and Anna lived with deep conviction and patient hope, trusting that God would bring the salvation they had long awaited. Jesus is the long-promised sign for Israel, and through His work, many would follow Him and live with the same purpose and hope. Yet others would reject Him and choose their own way instead. We’re faced with that same choice today. Will we live with the hope and purpose of Simeon and Anna, or will we pursue our own paths—paths that ultimately lead us away from life? Join us this Sunday at either the 8 or 11 AM service as we look at Jesus the Justifier and discover the purpose He invites each of us into. - Pastor Brandon For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49533720

Christmas often promises a rush of joy, nostalgia, and good feelings—but those highs fade fast. The manger wasn't meant to be the emotional finish line; it was the beginning of a much bigger story. Through Simeon's encounter with Jesus, we're shown the difference between chasing feelings and finding real fulfillment. Simeon wasn't looking for a holiday buzz—he was waiting for truth, hope, and God's promises to be fulfilled. And when he finally held Jesus, he understood something deeper: joy would come, but it would come through sacrifice, confrontation, and ultimately the cross. Faith doesn't avoid the mess — it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess.

Series: Special GuestsNo: Speaker: Paul Reich

The Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard once said, “Life can only be understood backward.” The clearest way to observe spiritual growth is by reflecting on where we were. Join us as we reflect on the brief appearance of Simeon in the Christmas story as we reflect on the awe of wonder of the Christmas season.Leviticus 12: 1-8 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, If a woman conceives and bears a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days. As at the time of her menstruation, she shall be unclean. And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. Then she shall continue for thirty-three days in the blood of her purifying. She shall not touch anything holy, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying are completed. But if she bears a female child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her menstruation. And she shall continue in the blood of her purifying for sixty-six days.“And when the days of her purifying are completed, whether for a son or for a daughter, she shall bring to the priest at the entrance of the tent of meeting a lamb a year old for a burnt offering, and a pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering, and he shall offer it before the Lord and make atonement for her. Then she shall be clean from the flow of her blood. This is the law for her who bears a child, either male or female. And if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.”Luke 2:22-35 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,    according to your word;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.”And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

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First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church

Brother Nick shares about two more senior citizens in the Christmas story.

Simeon and Anna, two elderly figures in the Christmas story, demonstrate how to maintain hope through decades of waiting and disappointment. Despite life not meeting their expectations, they sustained their hope by focusing on God's promises rather than circumstances. When Jesus finally arrived as a baby carried by poor teenagers, they immediately recognized Him because they had learned to embrace God on His terms, not their own. Their story teaches us that only Jesus can provide the consolation for our past hurts and redemption for our future struggles. We often place our hope in relationships, money, or circumstances that cannot bear the weight of our deepest longings, leading to repeated disappointment and cynicism.

12/21/25-Dr. Phillip Burden-Jesus-The One Worth Waiting For (Simeon's Song) by Sermons from FBCOzark

1) Why was Simeon not included in the blessings in Deuteronomy 33 given by Moses?2) Why do Christians have to give an answer for their good and bad deeds when we have been cleansed from all unrighteousness?3) What does Paul mean in Colossians 1:24 when he says "and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ"?4) If the earth is to be destroyed by fire and a new earth is to come from it, how will Israel be able to inherit the land and dwell in it forever?5) Who was Elihu and where did he come from?