Luke 2:21-40 Luke had "investigated everything carefully.. " so that he could tell the whole account of the life and death of Jesus.. so it is interesting that he chose to skip over the coming of the magi and the escape to Egypt that Matthew included in his gospel.  

However, Luke gives us this story about Jesus being circumcised on the 8th day and then taken to Jerusalem  33 days later  for the purification and atonement  sacrifices required by the Law of Moses. 

Luke tells us about the encounter with Simeon, a righteous man who was "looking for the consolation of Israel;"  This man was led by the Holy Spirit and had been told that he would witness the coming of the Lord before he died. When he saw Jesus.. he knew without doubt that the Lord had kept His promise. "Now Lord, Thou dost let Thy bondservant depart in peace according to Thy word; For my eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel." 

Not only did Simeon affirm the identity of this Child.. but Anna, a prophetess, also was drawn to the scene "And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God and continued to speak of Him to all those who are looking for the redemption of Jerusalem." 

These two senior citizens.. had spent their lives seeking God.. seeking the Messiah.. waiting and praying and trusting the Lord for His promises to be fulfilled.  And, so we.. growing older.. are waiting, praying and looking for the Messiah to come again.. just as He promised.  

Father in heaven we lift our eyes and hearts to You, knowing that You will fulfill all of the promises You have given and that Jesus is coming again! We give You thanks that one day we will see Your salvation completed and we will be with You, fully and forever... in the Light of Jesus Christ our Lord. We pray again that Your kingdom come and that Your will be done.. in earth as it is in heaven. Thank You for the story of the birth of Jesus so many years ago.. a story we will still tell for all of eternity.. along with the story of His death and resurrection.. and of His coming again for all of His children.  Keep us walking in faith and righteousness.. waiting for that wonderful day, for it is in the grace and power of the Name of Jesus that we come. Amen.