With all the priests on the Mount that day, it was this man who knew what was really going on and took the baby in his arms to bless. What an encouragement to Mary and Joseph! The Spirit also gave him a prophecy to deliver. Oh – this older man was right where the action was!
“…Simeon was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him”
“There was a prophetess, Anna…She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” Luke 2:25,37.
A few years ago, when we were still doing the community extravaganza Five Corners Christmas, a lady came up to me in the foyer and said: “You look a lot younger close up.” Thanks – I think. And now I have joined the ranks of the semi-retired – I am getting old.
Our society has been consumed with youth. Perfect teeth, no kids, windsurfing, dancing, skateboarding and parties. You get what I’m talking about. Don’t spend time on the old folks – they’re on their way out! Like our friend’s son said to them – ‘your generation is up to bat!’ This ageism can happen in the church as well – is it time for the older ones to step aside and let the young take over while we walk into the spiritual sunset? Into this question comes the Christmas experience of two old people who we will one day meet in heaven.
Here we meet Simeon – the Holy Spirit was upon him. Remember – this was before the filling of the Spirit at Pentecost. The Spirit talked with him – he was on fire spiritually and we find him at the temple – not sitting at home with a jigsaw puzzle. He had been waiting for the consolation of Israel spoken of by the prophets 700 years before. His eyes were open – his heart was open – and one day the Spirit said – ‘go to the temple right now and meet the Consolation!’ The birth of Jesus was the most tumultuous time in human history – it was marked by heavenly communication – and it included this old man! Imagine as he walked onto the temple court, knowing that the Spirit would guide him to the One!
With all the priests on the Mount that day, it was this man who knew what was really going on and took the baby in his arms to bless. What an encouragement to Mary and Joseph! The Spirit also gave him a prophecy to deliver. Oh – this older man was right where the action was!
And then there is Anna – an elderly woman. Now in her mid-eighties she had lived alone as a widow for most of her life. In society’s eyes, she would be a nobody – no children, no husband, no money, no influence. But she was a prophetess – the Lord spoke through her – current messages. With nothing else to her name, she became a full-time worshipper – still fasting, still praying – and on that day she beheld the Consolation! Isn’t it sweet that the Lord chose to work through both males and females in this mighty Christmas event!
Like Simeon, what are you waiting to see spiritually? What is your longing? Like Anna – what motivates your fasting? What prayers are you praying? In future blogs we will look at other ages that the Lord speaks to, but to all of you who are growing old – like me – resolve to seek fresh Encounters. There is plenty of the Spirit to go around! There is vitality for you too!
Let me encourage you to take up Pastor Matt’s challenge to read through the bible in 2025. I have a head start and join you in this expectant time in the Scriptures. Encounter ministries will host times to get together throughout the year to discuss what we are learning and what the Lord is saying.
Let me wish you all a Merry Christmas! Have a listen to the Christmas song below by Sir Cliff Richard (he is 84)…
Pastor Leon Throness
