Today is Tuesday, December 19th, 2006; Karen's Korner #957
The stage was set for the coming and birth of both Jesus and his cousin, John, in the first two chapters of Luke.
In the later part of Luke chapter 2, Jesus' parents went to the temple as part of several Jewish ceremonies surrounding the birth of their child. When Mary and Joseph went into the temple, God had directed two older, devout believers to be there to comment of the couple's new son: Simeon and Anna.
Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit, was constantly expecting the Messiah to come very soon: "Simeon was there and took the child in his arms, praising God saying, 'Lord, now I can die content! For I have seen him as you promised me I would. I have seen the Savior you have given the world.....'" (vs. 29)
Anna, a prophetess, never left the Temple, staying there night and day: "she came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she also began thanking God and telling everyone in Jerusalem who had been awaiting the coming of the Savior that the Messiah had finally arrived...." (vs. 38)
These verses are especially meaningful to me this Christmas season. Older people can be such a blessing to us, as they think about us, encourage us, and pray for us. I am the recipient of three such aunts who range in age from 80 - 91. This is the year of drastic changes in their lives: one moved to a care center, one is battling bone cancer, and the third is battling some dementia. All three have been teachers, role models and, I know, have prayed for me and my family over the years.
My Bible Commentary on these verses in Luke: Joseph and Mary marveled at what was being said about Jesus. Simeon said Jesus was a gift from God; he recognized him as the Messiah and he said Jesus would be a light to the entire world. Although both he and Anna were very old, they still hoped to see the Messiah. Led by the Holy Spirit, they were among the first to bear witness to Jesus. In the Jewish culture, elders were respected, and their prophecies carried extra weight because they were not young. Our society, however, values youthfulness over wisdom, and potential contributions by the elderly are often ignored. As Christians, we should reverse those values whenever we can. Encourage older people to share their wisdom and experience. Listen carefully when they speak. Offer them your friendship and help them find ways to continue to serve God.
During the holiday season, I want to visit each one of my aunts to be sure and tell them, "thanks", for the differences they have made in our lives! I am missing their care of me and their bringing us before Our Heavenly Father already. I am beginning to ask myself, "Am I encouraging older people in my life to keep-on, keeping on...if they are well enough?" And "Am I ready to assume the role, they have been to me........and to give the same gifts they have given to me........to others?"
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