Key Truth: The coming of Jesus will move some to praise in peace and others to stumble in angry opposition.

Q: What are you waiting for that could bring you peace?

An Offering of and to the Poor:

Luke 2:22-24

“That Mary offered a dove as a sin offering (Lev 12:6) for her purification indicates that the mother of God’s Son also needed the forgiveness and redemption that her son brought.”

Robert H. Stein, The New American Commentary: Luke

Q: Do you trust the Law of God to be for your good and worthy to be obeyed?

The Song of Simeon and the Coming Sword:

Luke 2:25-35

“Jesus said he came to bring a sword. Simeon said so too. Do we see what that means? It means we will get hostility for Jesus’ sake. It means we will have many painful struggles in the Christian life. Christmas, then, teaches us that Christians should not give in to self-pity. Nor should they be shortsighted, because the ultimate results of these conflicts are deeper peace and joy.”

Timothy Keller, Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Jesus Christ

Q: Has the Lord ever pierced your heart with His word? How did you respond?

Anna’s Praise and Evangelism:

Luke 2:36-38

“As soon as Anna saw Jesus, she did what everyone who comes to Christ should do. She thanked God for the gift of her salvation in Christ, the consolation of her widow’s heart. Then she began to tell other people about Jesus and his redemption. The news was too good for Anna to keep to herself: she had to share it with everyone she knew.”

Philip Graham Ryken, Luke, Volume 1: Chapters 1-12

Q: What moves you to give thanks and share that story with others?

Luke 2:22-38 teaches us that:

-no one is above God’s law

-the coming of Christ will move some to praise in peace and others to stumble in angry opposition

-the coming of Christ should move us to give thanks and share the story with others