Today is our final day on this week’s theme of Immanuel—God with us in celebration. As we close this week, we’re going to look at another passage from Luke 2, but one that occurred after the manger scene and Christ’s birth.

In Luke 2, eight days after Christ's birth, we meet Simeon and Anna. Simeon’s credentials were simply that he was a righteous and devout man, meaning his reputation with his fellow man and his relationship with God were considered solid. Anna was a Jewish prophetess, a respected, revered member of the Jewish religious community who lived in the vicinity of, or maybe actually inside the temple. Simeon represented the "average Joe's" of the day, while Anna was a "somebody" in the community. Let’s read some of the passage in Luke 2:

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

Based on popular Jewish views, most were expecting a strong warrior to show up and take over the government and stamp out Roman rule. So we have to make the assumption that is what Simeon was expecting. But he was listening to the Spirit of God more than he was leaning on the traditions of men. Let’s continue in the story …

That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him.

Isn’t it amazing that Simeon would be so convinced by his faith in God that this newborn baby was the Messiah? We can’t miss the fact that he called the baby Jesus “Sovereign Lord”! It’s not like Joseph and Mary were members of the royal family. They were just unassuming normal people.

Now to Anna, the Jewish prophetess again from Luke 2 … She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

So, let me ask you … what had Jesus done for Simeon and Anna at the point where they worshiped Him and recognized Him as Lord? … Nothing. They chose to worship Him, not for what He had done for them, but just because of Who He was … and what they believed He would do.

Here’s our closing challenge for us all this week: What if this Christmas, we worshipped, we told Jesus we love Him—just because? Just because He came. Only because He showed up. Not for His hand, but His heart. This Christmas—let His presence be enough.

Let’s pray: “Lord Jesus, thank You that You came for us, agreed to be put through the most horrible case of claustrophobia in the entire history of the world by becoming a baby. Thank You for Your heart, for Your presence with us here. That alone is enough. As above, so below.”