Songs of advent

Today

Simeon’s song of patience

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given

him before he was conceived

Luke 2:21

When the time came for the purification rites … Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present

him to the Lord …‘Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord’ and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord:

‘a pair of doves or two young pigeons’

Luke 2:22-24

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive

adoption to sonship …

Gal 4:4-5

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and

devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy

Spirit was on him

Luke 2:25

‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your

salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all nations’

Luke 2:29-31

Salvation

a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel

Luke 2:32

The Prophetic nature of Simeon’s song

A Sign

This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a

sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed

Luke 2:34b-35a

The Prophetic nature of Simeon’s song

A Sword

And a sword will pierce your own soul too

Luke 2:35b

The Prophetic nature of Simeon’s song

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother

John 19:25

God uses older people to serve His purposes

Life Lessons

They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green

Psalm 92:14

Sometimes we have to wait patiently for God’s plan to unfold

Life Lessons

But the plans of the Lord stand firm for ever, the purposes of his heart through all generations

Psalm 33:11

I wait eagerly for the LORD’s help, and in His word I trust - Psalm 130:5 (GNB)

Make sure you’ve trusted in Jesus before it’s too late

Life Lessons

‘For my eyes have seen your salvation’ – Luke 2:29

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is

patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance – 2 Peter 3:9