Morning by Morning, December 9, 2024 - Expectant Faith of Simeon and Anna for the Coming of Christ Good morning, Lord Jesus. I welcome You here in my heart and every moment of my day. ... As Your Spirit fills our hearts with expectancy for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, I’ve been thinking of the expectant faith of two prophetic people who were longing for the coming of the Messiah -- Simeon and Anna. “And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 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. So he came by 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, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: ‘Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.’ “And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. “Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:25-38) This man and woman of God were longing to see their Messiah, the Promised One of God who would come to save the world. They were moved by Your Spirit in fasting and prayer, “waiting” for Your coming. And there came a day when they held You in their arms and as well as their hearts to celebrate Your life and the Presence of Your glory in the earth. Just as they were praying and longing for Your first coming, so we are longing and praying for Your second coming. We long for You to hold us in Your arms as we take hold of You in our hearts. And at the same time, every day between this day and that day to come, we can embrace You now, take hold of You now, as we let You take hold of us. We look forward to Christmas Day and the celebration of Your birth. And we look forward to Your Ever-abiding Presence with us right now -- for You are with us “always” (Matthew 28:20) and as we keep drawing near to You, You keep drawing near to us (James 4:8). In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
My friend, may you be filled with expectant faith as we long for the coming of Jesus again and for the day we celebrate the birth of Christ, Amen. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day!
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Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries 502 North Milam Street Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
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