Sunday, December 30, 2018
First Sunday after Christmas

Sermon Text: Luke 2:22-40

"[22] And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present (Jesus) to the Lord [23] (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord’) [24] and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.’ [25] Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man of righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. [26] And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. [27] And he came by the Holy Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, [28] he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, [29] ‘Lord, now you are letting your servants depart in peace, according to your word; [30] for my eyes have seen your salvation [31] that you have prepared in the presence of all people, [32]  a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.’ [33] And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. [34] And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed [35] (and a sword will pierce through his soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.’ [36] And there was prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. [37] She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer day and night. [38] And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. [39] And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. [40] And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him."
Sermon Theme: "Fulfilling the Law"