Kids Blog-Jesus presented in the temple
Last week, kids learned that as Simeon and Anna faithfully waited for the Messiah, we are to expentactly wait for Jesus' return with worship and prayer.
Bible Story: Jesus presented in the temple, Luke 2:22-40
Bible verse: "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: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." Luke 2:29-32
When Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord and offer a sacrifice as it is written in the Law of the Lord, there was a man named Simeon and a woman named Anna. Simeon was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. When Simeon saw the child in the temple, he took him in his arms and praised God. He was overwhelmed with joy that he witnessed God's plan for salvation and praised God with thankful heart. He was grateful that God fulfilled His promise and now he was prepared to be dismissed in peace. Simeon also blessed the child's father and mother, Joseph and Mary and revealed to Mary what Jesus would fulfill, for he knew that Jesus came to die on the cross to save us from sin and death.
At that very moment, Anna, a prophet also came up to the child and gave thanks to God. She was a widow, never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying, looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. At last, God blessed her to see the child, God's promise of salvation.
As Simeon and Anna waited for the Messiah with worship and prayer, God calls us to wait for Jesus' return with expectant and prayerful heart and faithfully serve Him and others until His return. This Christmas season, let us thank God for giving us the greatest gift, His Son, Jesus and worship Him joyfully. Let us also look around and pray for those who do not yet know Jesus and pray that they will receive God's amazing gift and believe Jesus as their Lord and Savior.