Center for Evangelists

The Christmas story did not end with the birth of Jesus. That was just the beginning. The Bible records little about baby Jesus. We know He was taken to the temple to be dedicated to the Lord when Mary’s time of purification was over as the law of Moses commanded. A sacrifice of a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.

While at the temple Mary and Joseph met two people. Today we will talk about Simeon.

He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

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. Luke 2:29-32

Can you imagine Elizabeth’s joy to share with her friends and family that, after all this time, in her old age, she was finally going to be a mother? And how exciting that her son was the one God had chosen to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah!

Elizabeth had a visitor. Mary, her cousin came to see her, probably to share the news that she was expecting a baby, who was to be the Savior.

When Elizabeth saw Mary, her baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth what is overjoyed that the mother of the Savior came to visit her.

Luke 1:36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

Luke 1:41-42 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

Candles are a tradition of Christmas. Before electricity they were used to light Christmas trees, as well as light for the home after dark. Today, we use them as decorations. We scent them with Christmas smells, pine, peppermint and others to make our homes smell like Christmas.

The Christian meaning of the candle is that Jesus is the light of the world. We no longer walk in darkness of sin when we accept Jesus as our Savior.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.