Forgotten Verses, Forgotten Prophets

Luke 2:22-38

Most renderings of the Christmas story jump from Luke 2:20 with the angels and shepherds to the coming of the Magi in Matthew chapter two, a time lapse of almost two years. Part of the story seldom read, tells of two forgotten prophets who proclaim the baby’s purpose before the wise men ever got there.

Vss. 25-26

The Holy Spirit had promised Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Messiah.

Vss. 28-32

He recognized the baby immediately and praised God for the salvation the child would bring to both Jew and Gentile.

Vss. 33-35

He prophesied to Mary that this child would affect the destiny of mankind and that she would experience great sorrow.

Vss. 36-38

The prophetess, Anna, who had served day and night at the temple for about sixty years, went about prophesying about this child to all who were waiting for Messiah.

So it’s not about presents or trees or chestnuts roasting on an open fire!

It’s not even about wise men or shepherds!

God sent these two forgotten prophets within days of His birth, to tell us what it’s about, that Jesus was Messiah, born to die for our sin.