December 25, 2024
Pictures of the remnant of the western wall of the Temple taken during our visit in 2022. This section is not as visited as the Wailing Wall. But during Jesus' time, this must have busy with worshipers and merchants. Our guide pointed to us that this area may have been filled with stalls of money changers and merchants selling animals for sacrifices.
There’s a story in Luke 2 that is often skipped when telling the Christmas story.
Eight days after Jesus was born, following the Jewish tradition at that time,
Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to be circumcised.
The temple must have been the hub of activities of the Jewish society in those days.
People gather at the temple to worship, participate in various ceremonies and offer sacrifices.
It must have been a busy, crowded place with several people going in and out of the temple.
And yet, in Luke 2: 21 - 39, it tells of the story that as Mary and Joseph carried Jesus to the temple,
a man called Simeon, “who was righteous and devout”, immediately recognized Jesus.
He took Jesus in his arms and started praising God for being able to see the Messiah.
His excitement must have caught the attention of Anna, a prophet who was a regular in the temple.
She also then joined Simeon in thanking God for being able to finally see the Messiah.
What’s amazing about this story is that both Simon and Anna were old, and both had been
waiting to be able to see the Messiah for years.
They must have already seen countless children brought to the temple.
But when they saw Jesus, they recognized him right away as the Messiah.
The wise men followed a star and asked directions to find Jesus.
And for the shepherds, an angel told them where to find Jesus.
But for Simon and Anna, they were able to recognize Jesus right away
from the rest of the other children brought to the temple.
As we celebrate Christmas, let’s make sure that we recognize Jesus.
Preparations for the Christmas celebration with friends, families, and even at church can be hectic.
TV or social media constantly reminds us of the days leading up to Christmas.
Searching for that perfect gift for loved ones can consume our time and attention.
There will be several festivities that will be competing for our attention in our community.
Susan and I just came back from the Philippines ---
and the malls there were packed with people with music blaring,
and festive lights flashing all over. And traveling at this time can test our patience.
With all these festivities,
let’s be intentional to recognize Jesus as we celebrate Christmas.
On Christmas Eve, attend the Christmas Eve service at your church.
If your church doesn’t have one, attend another church that has one.
As you gather with your friends and family, include a time to read and meditate on the
scriptures on Christmas such as
Luke 2.
You may even include an advent candle lighting recognizing Jesus as the light of the world.
Share the joy of Christmas to a friend or relative who may be alone at the time.
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isiah 9:6
Merry Christmas everyone!