Reader’s Guide: “The Word for Today” Sunday, December 30, 2012 Read - Luke 2:21-38 The story about Jesus being brought to the temple for his naming and in order for Mary and Joseph to make the proper offerings really belongs with the template we have noticed with regard to the story of the birth of Samuel. We noted before that both Samuel’s and John’s fathers were priests who were attending to the temple when their sons were born. Here Luke is careful to tell us that Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple for the proper Jewish rituals. The temple and its proper use seem to be important to Luke. At the temple Jesus is met by two faithful Israelites – Simeon and Anna. Both are spoken of by Luke as Israelites who have been waiting and longing for the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. They are faithful Israel longing for the Messiah! As we were reading the Old Testament, especially as we were nearing the ending of that story, we noted how the longing for a Messiah was growing among the people of God. In the telling of these stories Luke is answering that longing. And Luke’s point is to drive home to his readers that there were some among Israel who did welcome the Messiah when he came! We have a tendency to think that Israel rejected the Messiah – but Luke wants us to know that was not true. So there are Elizabeth and Zechariah, Simeon and Anna, even Mary and Joseph to bear witness that there were those who were looking for the Messiah and welcomed him when he came! The words of Simeon are important to hear. He has been waiting for the promise of the Messiah and now his eyes have seen the salvation God promised – not only to the Jewish people but as a light to the gentiles! Simeon can depart in peace. God has kept his word.