Can you even imagine the orchestration it took to get all the players in the Christmas story?
It’s much like an orchestra playing beautiful music, each had a part; each has a ‘place’ and a purpose in the story.
We begin to learn the depth of this when we read about Simeon and Anna.
In Luke 2:25 we find these words:
[5 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout.
He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.
When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,
28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother:
“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.
And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old;
she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.]
Simeon was an old man. Waiting for the very moment of seeing the MESSIAH. Can you even imagine his ‘feelings?’
He knew. He saw. He was aware that this baby coming to be dedicated was not just a ‘baby’.
It was the reason he waited and prayed. Have you ever had a long anticipated prayer answered?
It’s amazing when it happens and when you can finally ‘let go’ and watch God work.
Anna was just as devoted to her worship and prayers, waiting for the ONE to come.
They were part of the orchestra God was drawing inside the circle of chosen ones.
It was no accident that they were there. It was no coincidence.
It was a moment not to be missed.
