John's message of preparation is one we need to hear today just as his original hearers did: true, fruit-bearing repentance is necessary for approaching Jesus.

John's message of preparation is one we need to hear today just as his original hearers did: true, fruit-bearing repentance is necessary for approaching Jesus.

In this passage, as well as the infancy narrative as a whole (chap. 1-2), Luke helps us see that Jesus was obviously human, and, astonishingly, God himself.

In this passage, as well as the infancy narrative as a whole (chap. 1-2), Luke helps us see that Jesus was obviously human, and, astonishingly, God himself.

In the words of Simeon's song and prophecy, we find that Jesus changes everything, and he does so by both uniting and dividing people.

In the words of Simeon's song and prophecy, we find that Jesus changes everything, and he does so by both uniting and dividing people.

Psalm 1 reminds us that the righteous saturate themselves with the life-changing word of God.

Psalm 1 reminds us that the righteous saturate themselves with the life-changing word of God.

Psalm 1 reminds us that the righteous saturate themselves with the life-changing word of God.

Mary, Joseph, Simeon and Anna remind us that it is in our faithful walks with the Lord throughout the everyday tasks of life that God brings blessing and uses us for his glory.