No Room in the Inn: Part 5 - Presentation of the baby

Perhaps like Curtis and I you are waiting for the fulfillment of a promise God has given you. Curtis has a “Pray for Terri” alarm everyday at 11:45. He has a list of items that are “Promises You won’t let Terri give up on.” There are several that are related to our children and family, and some that are related to this next adventure, “Honeymoon Life™” that we are investing our efforts in.

Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day at the Temple in Jerusalem, to honor Jewish Law. For two individuals this marked the fulfillment of a promise. They were watching for the promised Messiah to be revealed.

Simeon, was a devout man who honored God, full of the Holy Spirit. He had been promised he would not die until he saw the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming savior. When he encountered Jesus he, “took him in his arms and blessed God,” and blessed them telling Mary, “and a sword will pierce even your own soul - to the end that thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.” While this does not sound encouraging, it is an assurance that Mary’s pain would not be for nothing.

Anna, a prophetess, had lived and served in the temple for decades. She was a widow having lost her husband after only 7 years of marriage. She dedicated the rest of her life to temple service, “never left the temple, serving night and day with fasting and prayers.” and “looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”

These two faithful servants acknowledge and prophesy over this precious baby. They recognize Him as the Promised One, when the rest of the world was distracted by political unrest and a busy season of the census. While there may have been a few others who adored the baby, these two truly Worship Jesus as the Christ child. Let’s endeavor to do the same this holiday season.

Happy Honeymooning!

“For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, and the glory of Your people Israel.” (Luke 2: 30-32)