The Greatest Christmas Gift Ever

1^st Sunday of Christmas (12-30-07)

Rev. Steven D. Spencer –Pastor of Messiah Lutheran

Luke 2:25-40

Luke 2:25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: 29 "Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation 31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32 A light to enlighten the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel." 33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things, which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 "(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." 36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband for only seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Grace, Peace and Mercy from God our Father and Our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Amen

Merry Christmas

Christmas is an incredible time of year. It is full of traditions both concerning family and faith. As I have shared in the past our family tradition was to attend the 11:00 p.m. Candlelight Services on Christmas Eve. The next morning we, my 3 brothers and I, would wake up at 5:00 a.m. and spend the next half hour trying to waken my parents. By 7:00 a.m. my Grandmother, Aunt and cousins would be at our house enjoying a Christmas breakfast. It left us plenty of time to make it to Christmas Morning Services. That evening the rest of the family, would gather together at my Grandmother's house for the Christmas Evening meal. Gifts would be exchanged, food consumed, carols sung, it was Christmas for us. That's the way traditions work, leave out any important ingredient and it isn't Christmas.

A few ago a poll was taken. The questioned was asked,  "What is your favorite day of the year?" The answer was Christmas and in a close second birthdays. When people were asked as to what traditions were mostly associated with Christmas the top three were, not in this order: 

1.      Family and Friends Gathering Together

2.      Large Meals and Goodies

3.      Exchanging of Gifts.

If you really think about it, doesn't that sound like a party? People gather together, food is shared, and of course the exchanging some form of gift. Maybe a Christmas Party / Birthday Party. Do you know someone with a Birthday this time of year? It's customary to give a gift to the birthday person but isn't it ironic that at this birthday party the guest of honor is giving the gift? 

So often it happens during Christmastime that someone will ask you, "What did you get this Christmas", now you know what to tell them, Tell them you got Jesus!

            For a moment think back to the opening of presents either this year or in years past. You've just finished handing out all the gifts. Everyone seems happy and very content with what they've gotten. But then you notice that somehow a card was overlooked in the Christmas tree. You were certain that you had handed everything out, someone must have placed it there after you were done. No matter, you look at the card and the name on it is - your child, parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, maybe a close friend, but definitely a loved one. So you take that card to them. They open it and upon reading it they exclaim; Thank God, Praise the Lord it's just what I wanted. It must great, such a response. The loved one sits with hands folded beaming with joy. Maybe the card has a ticket to a cruise, maybe a large savings bond whatever it is you know it has great value. Finally you can't stand it any longer, what was in that card? So you ask, they hand you the card you open it and it says: Now you may die!  

Who would write such a sordid statement? You peer around the room searching for the sick and despicable person that would write this. Maybe that nasty aunt or uncle, that slimy brother-in-law, well you fill in the blanks. But then it clicks, why did my loved one receive such a message with joy?  And who is it from? So you ask.  The response takes you back. It's what I wanted. But who is it from?

            The receiver of that present in our text today is Simeon and the message is from God. Let's put this in perspective. Not much had been happening spiritually in Israel for over 400 years. God has been quiet; it's been a period of silence for Israel. No major prophets preaching of the Messiah's message. No major prophets preaching doom and gloom, just no major prophets.  People were under the hand of Roman control much like the bondage suffered in Egypt. The census had been taken - taxes were coming. If you want to anger a people, just increase their taxes. 

            On the positive side, times had been fairly peaceful with the pax Romania that is the Roman peace that permitted safe travel. The temple in Jerusalem was now restored and sacrifices had begun once again in the temple. 

Enters Simeon, "And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout" Simeon was a man well aged. He was (di,kaioj) as the Greek puts it, we know this as meaning righteous, literally someone right with God. Simeon was a man of great faith and He knew where his salvation lay. He was in the temple praying daily, Lord take me home, let me die. I want to be with you. The Scripture tells us that he was waiting for the Consolation of Israel, that is the comfort of Israel and the Holy Spirit was upon him. That comfort was his hope and faith in the Messiah. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ." That's why he's at the temple- he's going to see the Messiah.

Suddenly, He appears. The long-awaited Messiah is there; not just a human being, but the Lord has suddenly come to His temple. The Son of God has become flesh to be the Savior of the world, and He is making His first incarnate visit to His Father's house. The prophecy is fulfilled! The Messiah is on the temple grounds.

And nobody seems to notice. Nobody seems to care.

But Simeon does. He knows, because the Holy Spirit has told him. He confidently walks up to the Messiah and His entourage. He boldly takes hold of the Savior. And there, out in the middle of all the temple activity, he sings so that everyone who hears will know:

"Lord, now lettest thou thine servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; For mine eyes have seen Thy Salvation: Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to lighten the Gentiles, And the glory of Thy people Israel."

The Lord Himself has come to His temple with salvation; He has come to redeem His people. It is a glorious, divine truth; so Simeon sings the song of praise.

Uninformed by the Holy Spirit, it's quite unlikely that others understood, they probably thought he was nuts. Nuts or blasphemous, take your pick.

Temple-goers have come here to worship the almighty Lord who made the heavens and the earth. There on the grounds, this Simeon is holding a 40-day-old baby in his arms, attended by some poor-looking parents.

Oh, Simeon isn't concerned with the Holy of Holies, where the Lord dwells in His glory. He's peering at the Baby in his arms, and singing the strangest of lullabies: "Lord, now lettest thou thine servant depart in peace, according to Thy word;" Like this Baby has words. Like this Baby is in a position to send Simeon along. As if the Baby is the Lord. But He is. Simeon is holding God, and holding God to His promise.

The people who are looking for some glorious display of power to prove the presence of God will hustle right by the Baby and keep on looking. But by faith, Simeon knows. The flesh and blood he cradles in his arms is the Son of God incarnate. He is the Immanuel, "The God with us," present with His people as God and man. He is with His people to bring peace, salvation, light, revelation and glory. Don't let the hairless head and the tiny toes fool you: This is the Lord of heaven and earth. And though that toothless mouth can't yet form words, He has been speaking from eternity. He is there. By faith, Simeon acknowledges His Savior and rejoices in His salvation. He embraces the Word made flesh, and he is forgiven for all his sins by the Baby Jesus. And that's why he can depart in peace.

God gives you faith, faith by and faith in the blessed truth, that you also know, Jesus is the Christ. Today, you stand with Simeon because you behold the Savior. The Holy Spirit has revealed this to you-not through some mystical vision or writing in the sky, but by His Holy, inspired Word. His Word announces to you that the Baby in Simeon's arms grows up and bears your sins on the cross. That same body is pierced and that blood is shed before He is placed in the tomb. That same Savior, with the same body and blood, is risen again on the third day. And before Jesus ascends into heaven, He speaks to His disciples of teaching and baptizing. He speaks of Word and Sacrament, and promises, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

            Is it any wonder, then, that we sing Simeon's hymn "The Nunc Dimittis which means NOW DISMISS" near the end of the service. For it is through the Word, that the Holy Spirit reveals your Savior. And you like Simeon touch the savior when you receive the Lord's body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. Truly touch him, locally present, flesh and blood, for He is truly present in with and under the bread and wine. This is the glorious mystery of the Lord's Supper. And just like Simeon, you sing:

"Lord now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word. For Mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel." Just like Simeon you can be assured beyond the shadow of doubt that the savior has come and is present.

You can sing with Simeon because the Savior has come to you, and you too can depart in peace, knowing your sins are forgiven and that there is a place for you in heaven. For Jesus is the greatest Christmas gift ever, He is the giver and the gift. In Jesus name, Amen!

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, now and forevermore. Amen