I continue to be amazed by the stories of Anna and Simeon who were at the temple when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus the newborn. Their stories convict me regarding my priorities and what I spend my days thinking about. Anna was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four” (Luke 2:36–37). She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:37). She lived totally for God. Simeon in the Bible was a man in Jerusalem (Luke 2:25) who also lived at the time Jesus was born. Simeon’s reputation was that of being “righteous and devout” (Luke 2:25). For generations the people of God waited for and expected a Messiah, a Savior, who would free them from the grip of sin. Simeon was like his fellow Israelites in that he waited his whole life “for the consolation of Israel” (verse 25). He was led by the spirit to be at the temple the day baby Jesus was to be dedicated, and he marveled that his eyes saw Messiah before he died. Who is this Jesus who gives us grace and mercy? The one I sometimes think about when it’s convenient? To some He is the very purpose for which they live. For others, not so much. Dear God, please let us love you with all of our hearts. Please show us the narrow way.
