The older man noticed them right away as they entered. She carried a baby, and he carried two small birds.  The young mother and her husband had come for the purification offering and to present their two month old to the Lord.  “Is this him Lord? Is this why you brought me here today?” As the couple comes closer, his spirit quickens.  Yes. The promise, the waiting, the listening had all come to this moment as Simeon gazes into the wide eyes of his Savior.

He reaches out and the young mother places the precious child in his arms.  With aged hands, he cradles the child to his chest.  He is holding the One.  The Lord had fulfilled his promise. The Messiah had been born.  Tears of gratitude and assurance slide down Simeon’s face as he raises his eyes from the child to his parents.  They know and yet they do not.  This tiny boy is the Son of God – but they do not know all that would be required of them.  In a strong voice that belies his age, Simeon speaks the words the Holy Spirit has given him.  Mary and Joseph marvel at his words as their parent hearts swell with wonder as Simeon blesses them.

Anna is coming, he senses her presence.  Simeon presses the baby into her waiting arms and stands back to take in the joy and love emanating from Anna’s face.  He knew the prophetess would recognize him.  She would see in that tiny face a life that will change eternity for so many.  Anna sings and praises God for this little life.  After a prayer, she opens her eyes and realizes they have drawn a crowd.  She can’t contain herself, she has to tell everyone.  He is here!  Oh the Love, the joy!  The rescuer has come!

This sweet moment in Luke 2 with a 40 day old Jesus finds Simeon and Anna ready.   Simeon was just and devout.  He was filled with the Holy Spirit.  His heart was in tune with the Father.  He was prepared, watching and waiting so that when the Savior came, he would see him.  Anna fasted and prayed.  Her heart was ready to meet her Savior.  Are you ready?

There are those that prepare and those that don’t.  Those that have messages written for the next six months and those that aren’t sure what they are covering tonight.  Those that have had Christmas presents hidden in dark closets because there was a great sale in July and those that won’t give it any thought until December 24.

Maybe a better question than “are you ready for Christmas” would be, “are you ready for whatever God may have for you this season?” Is your heart prepared to hear his voice?