God’s Salvation is Here
Luke 2:21-40

Christmas is the time in which followers of Jesus remember the time when God sent his Son into the world, the Savior announced to Mary.  Last week I talked about how the news of the Savior was announced to shepherds in the field. “I bring you news of great joy for all the people, today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you.  He is Christ the Lord.”  The shepherds went to search for the child and when they found him; they spread out the word concerning him.  They spread the news around.  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)  Imagine Mary as a mother and all the promises made about her child.  Shepherds showed up to see the child and related the news that he is the Savior of all mankind.  We know from Scripture that the birth of Jesus was prophesied; what you may not be aware of is that after Jesus was born, prophets continued to proclaim his mission.  I would like to tell you about two prophets we have in the New Testament that are mentioned right after the birth of the Messiah.

Luke 2:21-40
On the eight day, Jesus was circumcised. (Gn.17:12, Lev.12:3). He was named Jesus because this is the name the angel told him to give him.  Jesus (Yeshua : Yahweh saves, Yahweh’s salvation).|
(v.22) When the time of their purification according to the law of Moses had been completed. (Lev.12:1-8)
– Mary would be unclean for seven days after the birth of the child.
– On the eighth day the child would be circumcised
– 33 days the woman would not touch anything holy and would not be allowed to come into the sanctuary.
So the fact that they were bringing Jesus to Jerusalem means that she was cleared now to come to the temple.  Her purification was completed.
They came to present the child to the Lord and to offer the sacrificed required by the law. (v.22-24) This according to the Law of the Lord)  Ex.13:2, 12
Mary and Joseph brought two turtle doves and two pigeons. (v.24)  This indicate they could not afford a lamb, and this is what the law required for those who could not afford a lamb.  Lev.12:8
The Prophet Simeon (v.25-35)
– A righteous and devout man, who was waiting for the consolation of Israel (the time when the Messiah came)
– God revealed to him that he would not die until he saw the Messiah.
– He took the Messiah in his arms and praised God. (v.28)
“My eyes have seen your salvation” This salvation has been God’s initiative to rescue humanity.”  To see the Messiah was to behold God’s salvation.
– A light of revelation to the Gentiles. (v.32)  John said that Jesus is the light of people.  He shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not grasped it.  John 1:4-5, (v.9 The true light that gives light to every person was coming into the world.)
Isa.9:2  People walking in darkness have seen a great light.
– This salvation is for the glory of the Jewish people. (This is the fulfillment to the covenant God made with them.  Through the Jewish Messiah, all families of the earth will be blessed. (Gn.12:1-3)

Mary and Joseph just marveled at what Simeon said about Jesus.  Mary now has more things to treasure in her heart regarding her son.

 The destiny of the child. (34)
– He will cause many to rise and fall in Israel. (Jesus is the cornerstone for building up or the stumbling stone to cause people to stumble)  Isa.28:16; 1 Pet.2:6-8
– He will be opposed or spoken against; the thoughts of many will be made known (revealed)
– Mary’s own soul will be pierced (This is a reference to suffering and death)  Mary will see her son suffer to the point of death)  The death of a son pierces the soul of a parent.

The prophetess Anna (v.35-40)
– She was a widow
– Worshiped in the temple day and night fasting and praying.
– She thanked God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. (Redemption is here)

Mary and Joseph returned home to Nazareth. (39-40)
God’s salvation appeared in a manger nearly two thousand years ago.  Angels announced his arrival; shepherds spread the news that Salvation truly has come.
God took the initiative to make a plan by which people can be saved.  God sent Jesus, the Savior so that through him people can be saved.  He is the light for those living in darkness.  The light has come, you don’t have to live in darkness and fear anymore.  Jesus can be your consolation, your redemption if you let him.
This Christmas season, take a moment to  thank God for giving you the light of the world so you would not walk in darkness.  Thank him for sending you a Savior.