25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[a] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

Luke 2:25-32

Focal Points

"Advent: Holy Longing"

  • Thanksgiving leads us into Advent
  • Advent is a season of Holy Longing: we wait with hunger for God [Isaiah 9:2]
  • Advent teaches us to Wait Well
    Like Simeon & Anna: expectant, steadfast, near to God, [Luke 2:25 - 38]
  • Advent Hope breaks into our darkness: Christ comes into chaos, not perfection as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [Isaiah 9:6]
  • Living Advent in the Bay Area & Application