Seeing Jesus, They Knew

An Advent reading for December 24.

Stephen Crotts

Week 4: Immanuel


As we journey through the events surrounding the Nativity, we contemplate the Incarnation. Jesus—the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace, the Light of the World—became flesh and dwelt among us. As Isaiah’s prophecy foretold, he is “God with us.” Jesus is Immanuel.

Read Luke 2:22–40

Parenting is hard, and first-time parenting brings an added weight of difficulty. Everything is new—from feeling those first flutters of life in the womb to holding and seeing your child for the first time to the first bath, first feedings, first words, first steps. There are so many firsts!

Imagine what it was like for Joseph and Mary, traveling with their newborn from Bethlehem to Jerusalem. The trip would’ve taken a few hours on foot. In faithful obedience, they traveled for the first time as brand-new parents, participating in the custom of dedicating themselves and their child back to God.

All went according to custom until the righteous and devout Simeon arrived. He’d been waiting for the deliverance of Israel, and entering the temple courts, he experienced a first. In that moment, God fulfilled his promise that Simeon would live to see the Messiah. Seeing the infant Jesus, he knew.

And Simeon didn’t just see him—Simeon held him. In that moment, Simeon tangibly understood that God’s salvation foretold by the prophets would be not only global in scale but also intimate and personal. Salvation itself was embodied in the cooing and wiggling infant in his arms. As Simeon worshiped and spoke of God’s salvation, Mary and Joseph marveled, likely remembering the angels’ instruction that they should name their child Jesus, a name that spoke of God’s salvation.

While Simeon spoke to Mary, Anna came up to them and confirmed Simeon’s prophetic song of worship by praising God herself. For decades, Anna’s entire life had centered on worshiping God, praying, and fasting. Seeing Jesus, Anna knew. She knew this was the child they’d been awaiting for the redemption of God’s people, so she spoke of Jesus to all who would listen. The promised light for the nations had arrived.

In Mary and Joseph, in Simeon and Anna, we see snapshots of what devotion to God and righteous living looks like. We see obedience and faith, discipline and dedication, anticipation and worship. They saw Immanuel. They held Immanuel. They knew Immanuel. They spoke of Immanuel.

As we celebrate Immanuel this Advent, let’s walk in faithful obedience like Mary and Joseph. Let’s practice being devoted, upright, and worshipful like Simeon. Let’s pray, fast, and speak of Jesus to all who will hear like Anna. There is redemption in no other name.

Kristie Anyabwile is the author of Literarily: How Understanding Bible Genres Transforms Bible Study and the editor of His Testimonies, My Heritage.

Ponder Luke 2:22–40.
What’s most compelling to you about the stories of Simeon and Anna? How does their example—and that of Mary and Joseph—encourage and inspire you this Christmas Eve?

Also in this issue

As we worship at the manger, may we marvel that this very child is the Mighty God, he is the Prince of Peace, and he is the Light of the World. He is the one who came to die. He is the one who rose triumphant, who ascended, and who will keep his promise to come again in glory. He will enact justice and bring to culmination his kingdom of peace. He is Immanuel, God with us.

The Beautiful Paradox

Jesus Is Our Peace

Born to Be Bruised

Our Jubilean Hope

The Healing Peace of Jesus

Peaceful Rest

The Prince of Shalom

A Vision of Peace

The Greatest Hope of All

The Judge Who Is Faithful & True

Jesus Will Reign

Jesus Deserves All the Attention

Christ, the Everlasting Lord

For to Us a Child Is Born...

God of Mercy and Power

The Invitation of Incarnation

Unfather Christmas

Waiting On a Promise

He Shines in the Darkness

Christ in Ten Thousand Places

Delivered from Darkness

A Frightening and Freeing Light

The Light Leading Us Home

Salvation and Love

A Light Has Dawned

True Cleansing

A Path Through the Wilderness

Light of the World, Hope of the Nations

Christmas Day

A Flock of Shepherds

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