At a youth Christmas party that we were at the other day I played a bit of a game with the teens… ‘name all the characters that you remember in the Christmas story. I wonder if you could do that? Then… not only name them, but tell where they are found in the Scripture, and what their significance is. This might be a good Christmas party game for you as well. Let me get you started:
- Jesus (that’s obvious — I certainly hope so!)
- Mary (another easy one)
- Joseph
- Shepherds
- Wise Men
- Herod
- Etc, etc…
But did you on your list have Simeon and Anna? Some of you would get this, but others of you may think — ‘who are they?’
This coming Sunday I have the privilege of preaching what I consider to be a perfect sermon for the Sunday after Christmas. It comes out of Luke 2, and in this story it uses the phrase… “the consolation of Israel” in it.
We are still on the journey of learning in the totality of Scripture the theme of “From Creation to New Creation.” And this Sunday – this last Sunday of the calendar year – and the Sunday following Christmas – we are going to find out what this means! Without the consolation of Israel that is found in Christ, then there is no point. But Simeon and Anna saw this to be true in Jesus.
As you prepare for this Sunday, I would ask you to read and contemplate this story. Luke 2:21-40.
See you Sunday Merry Christmas to you all.
