11th December 2025

Great Expectations  

. . . She gave thanks to the Lord,

and spoke of Him to all those who

looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Luke 2:38

Today's Bible Reading: Luke 2:25–32, 36–38.

Most Israelites were anticipating the arrival of the Messiah, and one might expect that the religious leaders would have been among them. Yet they seemed to miss Him despite the signs and prophecy. In contrast, Luke 2,informs us of two elderly believers, who recognised Him at once. 

The Bible inspires us to see that advanced age can motivate our hope. As the infant Jesus is brought to the temple by Joseph and Mary to be consecrated (Luke 2:23; see Exodus 13:2,12), two elderly believers suddenly take Centre stage.

Firstly, Simeon, who had been waiting for years to see the Messiah—“took [Jesus] in his arms and praised God, saying: ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations’ ” (Luke 2:28-31).

Second, Anna, a “very old” prophet (v 36), came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph. A widow who’d been married only seven years, she’d lived in the temple until she was eighty-four. Never leaving, she “worshipped night and day, fasting and praying.” When she saw Jesus, she began praising God, explaining about “the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (v 37-38). Both Simeon and Anna knew what the arrival of the Christ child meant.

These two hopeful servants remind us to never stop waiting on God, no matter our age, with great expectations.

Prayer: Dear faithful Father, when I lose hope, remind me to wait expectantly for You. In Jesus name. Amen