Richvale Community Church
Sunday, December 14 2025
- Good morning, everyone.There’s a true story about two brothers—actually, brothers-in-law—who kept a Christmas tradition going for over 25 years! If you look it us it's actually called the Pesky prank..It began when one brother received a pair of moleskin trousers he didn’t like—they were stiff, uncomfortable, and especially miserable in the winter.So the next Christmas, he gave the pants back.From there, a tradition was born. Every year, they exchanged the same trousers, each time wrapped more elaborately—boxes inside boxes, metal pipes, concrete-filled crates, even homemade rocket ship. …We you can imagine Eventually, the trousers were destroyed and gifted one final time in earn of ashes.For the BROTHERS it was never about the gift…but anticipation that kept the tradition going....It is the exact opposite FOR US ….Christmas is about the tradition of wrapping but about the gift..it is anticipation with promise… promise of a savior..This morning.We’re continuing our Christmas series, The Songs of Christmas, in the Gospel of Luke. We have looked at the song of Mary and Zachariah.Today, looking at the song of—Simeon.I love that Luke includes Simeon. because it one of those quiet saints on the side line, who doesn’t command much attention but rather his life shines with deep faith..Our text opens with the scene In the temple.Mary and Joseph travel to Jerusalem to do what faithful parents did at that time —to complete the law of purification after child birth..And in many ways..It’s ordinary day, in an ordinary place…Where God meets a man who has been waiting his whole life…. to see the consolation or comfort of Israel…in the messiahLuke writes:
Luke 2:22–24 ESV 22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him 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.”When Mary and Joseph show up to temple we learn a couple of thingsTHE First, here are two people with very limited resources. Even though both Mary and Joseph could trace their genealogies back to king David, there was no old money here—no wealth, no privilege.In fact, they couldn’t afford a lamb for the sacrifice, so they brought turtledoves instead.Luke reminds us that. God often chooses weakness over strength …he used the unnoticed over the known… God often works in the ordinary… Those who are rich in faith, often are the ones who display His glory and sufficiency.Second, Jesus was born under the Law.Luke in out text emphasizes the Jewishness of Jesus.From the very beginning, Mary and Joseph carefully observed all the legal requirements of the Law. We sometimes forget..Jesus grew up in a Jewish home—reading the Torah, praying, attending synagogue, and learning obedience within the rhythms of the Law…Later Jesus tells us inHis Sermon on the Mount, that He didn’t come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.And the fullfiment of law began with the Incarnation..BUT WHAT MAKES THIS INCREDIBLEBecause of …Who he is ..John tells us:John 1:1–3 (ESV)In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… AND : the Word became flesh.Here the thing..The God of the universe—the One who designed the system—stepped into His creation and submitted Himself to the Law.The question comes up is why??… Paul tells us in Gal 4.4-5Galatians 4:4–5 ESV But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.Jesus is the only one who who could keep the law perfectly.,And there fire..He is the only one who could rescue us from its consequences. Hedid this , so that we might receive adoption as sons.”This is the setup for this encounter with Simeon..Jesus came to the temple under law..but it was God means and method of providing salvation in Christ—for the worldWhat we learn from, Simeon is how to respond…..: how to worship, how to wait, and how to live with expectation as God fulfills His promises.First…1. Worship Grows Out of CharacterWhen Joseph and Mary arrive at the temple..it was just another day at the temple.Families were coming and going. Parents were bringing children.Sacrifices were being offered. Prayers were being spoken.Joseph and Mary blend into the crowd. Nothing about them stands out. Nothing would cause a passerby to stop, stare, or take notice.They are simply a young couple doing what faithful people do—showing up in obedience.But there is one person who notices..Simeon —the reason is … he has been waiting patiently living with a promise…Because ..God had told him he would see the Messiah while he was still alive… and so not only does God choose the ordinary.. he often uses ordinary circumstances..In the middle of the ordinary rhythms of life, Simeon sees God at work.We need to be careful not to trivialize the ordinary.The daily interactions of life—our routines, —are often the very places where God is working.Dallas Willard—a Christian philosopher and professor said that.“God’s address is not at the end of the world; it is at the kitchen table.”Dallas Willard.Simeon found God right where life was already happening.His worship came— grew out of a place of faithfulness..Luke 2:25–26 ESV 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.It’s interesting how Luke introduces Simeon. He doesn’t start with a title. He doesn’t say, “There was a priest…” or “There was a prophet…” He simply says, “There was a man.”Simeon stands out is not because of his position or status, but because of his character.Luke tells us he was a righteous and devout man.Righteousness is more than being “good” or “moral.”In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for righteous means just—someone whose life leans toward God, whose faith is evident..For example:Noah was described as righteous, a man who walked with God in a corrupt generation.Job was upright and blameless, showing reverence for God in difficult times .Abraham trusted God, and that trust was counted as righteousness.None of these men were perfect, but they allowed God’s presence and His Word .. to shape their hearts their actions.And They lived out their faith before others with integrity and obedience.Simeon, too, was a man of character. His righteousness was visible to others..Simeon is described as righteous and ..B. Devout — implies being Spiritually AwakeWe often think of being devout as simply being pious—someone who is deeply religious.But devoutness is deeper than outward appearances.It’s a posture of inward readiness—a heart and life tuned into God and responds when He moves.Readiness speaks of our spiritual practice or Habits..We all have habits and routines, whether we realize it or not.These routines either master us or serve us.I was thinking a mechanic with a well-organized toolbox.Everything has its place, and he knows exactly where each tool is. it works because he consistently returns each one after use.Our spiritual life works in the same way.Our tools are devotional, or prayer rhythms. Gatherings the point isWorship flows from this posture of the heart. from a life tuned to God,.. Simeon shows us that being devout is not just about ritual or piety—it’s about being spiritually awake, ready to see and respond when God shows up..T/s Simeon shows us three things.1. Worship Grows Out of Character2. Worship Flows from a Spirit-Led LifeThere is a story of a church secretary named Alice. She was accustomed to answering the telephone, saying, “Jesus loves you. This is Alice. How can I help you?”One day, while deeply engrossed in a conversation with a colleague, she picked up the phone distractedly and said, “Alice loves you. Jesus speaking. How can I help you?”After a long pause, the caller responded reverently, “I thought your voice would sound different.”Luke tells us that the Spirit of God had been speaking to Simeon…Being Spirit led mean that we know his voice…In John 10..Jesus tells the parable of the good ShepherdJesus said the thief never comes through the door.. but climbs another way ..but the shepherd is on who is recognized … recognized by the gatekeeper… and also recognized by the sheep..When he calls his own sheep by name and they follows…Jesus says that shepherd goes before them — the sheep follows him because they know his voice…I love this image of spirit led life…being spirit led is following the shepherd ..who goes before us... One my professors ..Dr Laniak lived with Bedouin ‘shepherd’ for more than a year with family… He got to know them quite well - in fact one Shepherd joking ask for his daughters in marriage - he had to draw line…but He told us that flocks will gather at water hole mix with other herds.. but but when shepherd spoke they would follow his voice..Simeon is spirit led.. because he heard the Lords voice..we told in..Luke 2:26–29 ESV 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the 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 servant depart in peace, according to your word;It is interesting thatA. The Spirit Rested on simeonIn the Old Testament, the Spirit often came on people for a moment—for a task or a mission.But for Simeon, the Spirit rested on him. in other words..He lived with spiritual sensitivity, with awareness of his presence, and responded when the Spirit nudged him.B. The Spirit Revealed God’s Promise to Him The Spirit told Simeon he wouldn’t die before seeing the Messiah.C. The Spirit Led Him into the Temple—Perfect Timing Luke says: “He came in the Spirit into the temple.”The Spirit guided his steps—not by chance, but with perfect timing.At the exact moment Mary and Joseph entered with Jesus, Simeon was there. God’s timing is never off.You’ve probably felt this yourself—those nudges in your heart: “Call that person.”“Pray for them.”“Go encourage them.”Later, you realize the timing was perfect. That’s the Spirit at work.In the New Testament, as those who are Christ are called to live a spirit led life…Pauls tells us …Romans 8:14 ESV 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.A.W. Tozer echoees this thought..“The Spirit-filled life isn’t some deluxe, optional version of Christianity—it’s God’s plan for all His people.” TozerLiving in the Spirit simply means living with expectation… God might speak to us or through us …Simeon life shows us that worship flows from a Spirit-led life, and that attentiveness to God prepares our hearts to respond when His promises unfold.T/s Simeon shows us three things.1. Worship Grows Out of Character2. Worship Flows from a Spirit-Led Life3. Worship Knows the Purpose of ChristChristmas is an interesting holiday. For some, it brings warm, nostalgic feelings and cherished memories.But for others, Christmas can be a difficult time—a reminder of lost loved ones, a season they can’t wait to get through.Regardless of where our thoughts are about Christmas,Simeon teaches us something important: .Christmas is not nostalgia. Not sentimentality. Not even generosity.At the center of Christmas is the Incarnation. Jesus is the centerpiece. That God became flesh..After years of waiting for the promised Messiah, Simeon takes the child Jesus in his arms—and bursts into song. he sings..Luke 2:29–35 ESV 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant 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 peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”This is quite the sceneSimeon takes Jesus in his arms and worships…. RememberHe is holding the eternal word.. he starts to sing a song that i believe was inspired by the the Holy Spirit ..- a song deeply theological..grounded in who Jesus really was.First…A. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promiseSimeon begins:“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word.”In other words:“Lord, You kept Your promise. You did exactly what You said You would do.”we can be encourage God is a God of his word..His promise are yes and amen..His promises is his word..We have in scripture every promise we could ever need..Simeon had God promise and that was enough…Simeon, didn’t need anything else. He didn’t ask for more years. He didn’t ask for more blessings.He said, “I’m ready to go home now. I’ve seen the salvation of God.”When you have Christ… you have enough.Second..B. Jesus is God’s salvationSimeon says:“My eyes have seen Your salvation.”Notice he doesn’t say..“I have seen the one who will provide salvation.”OR..: “I have seen the one who will teach us salvation.”No — “I have seen salvation itself.”Salvation is not a program. Salvation is not a process.Salvation is a Person — Jesus Christ.Everything Simeon longed for, hoped for, prayed for — he was holding in his arms.There is some encouragement here…I was thinking what are we holding onto… what are in our Arms… What find is that I often trying to solve one problem after the next…If you holding onto something — you don’t have much room for anything….but what happens if we Pick Christ— Hold onto to his…when we take a hold of him he will take a a hold of us..….Simeons song teaches us that He is sufficient… he is enough.Simeon continues:I have seen your salvation —That “you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,” —For Simeon..God promises were unfolding in real time… He was holding the fulfillment of Prophecy in his arms…He was holding the Messiah whom t Isaiah had prophesied hundreds years would be a light to the nations…A message of salvationIsaiah 9:2 ESV 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.Simeon says that Jesus would be“A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel.”This was staggering.Most Jews believed Messiah was coming only for them. But Simeon declares:Jesus is the light the Gentiles have been waiting for.Jesus is the glory Israel has been longing for.Jesus is the light for everyone.He is light… He is the revelation -at this point Joseph and Mary are amazed. …Luke 2:29–35 ESV 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.this was another many Confirmation…God had revealed himself in number confirmations—-God had been in all preparations…Then Simeon turns to Joseph and Mary and gives Mary a personal word.Luke 2:29–35 ESV 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 your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”Simeon reveals to them couple that there sin..Jesus would bring controversy he coming would bring division -Jesus will cause “the falling and rising of many in Israel”—Because … when people encountered the truth of the incarnation it would divide...divide Israel .Some will stumble over Him.Some will rise because of Him.No one will remain neutral.Everyone’s heart will be revealed in how they respond to Him.There is no grey areas when it comes to the doctrine of the incarnation…they must either gladly surrender to the incarnation or reject it entirelyJohn Stott said….“Jesus is like a line painted across every human heart. People rise or fall on how they respond to Him.” StottI wonder if these words of someone came back to Mary as she stood at the foot of the cross…But there was point is suffering. his suffrerings would bring the thoughts of many…Would pierce the hearts of many and would bring Salvation…Jesus is not only Consolation of Israel… He is our comforter…— He has provided for every need that we have…. The response is our Song is our voices…CONCLUSION:CONCLUSION: HOW DO WE WORSHIP WITH EXPECTATION?When we look at Simeon, we see a man whose life points us to worship with expectation. Worship is our response to Christ—who He is, what He has done, and what He continues to do.It good time think a out or lives.. and our hearts and our song..Simeon teaches us that worship isn’t just something we sing.It’s a way of living. It’s paying attention, staying ready, and holding onto hope even when it seems like nothing is happening.We are to live with anticipation …worship wit expectation…What are we holding on to today.. thats we need to let go of?Amen. Luke 2:22–24CSB
Galatians 4:4–5CSB
Luke 2:25–26CSB
Luke 2:26–29CSB
Romans 8:14CSB
Luke 2:29–35CSB
Isaiah 9:2CSB
Luke 2:29–35CSB
Luke 2:29–35CSB
Isaiah 53:4CSB
Richvale Community Church
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