Sermon Snippet – Older Folks at Christmas
INTRODUCTION – One poem that I know begins as follows: “Christmas is really for the children.” I understand the sentiment, but I reject the premise; for Luke 2:10-11 records these words of the announcing angel: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, [Who] is Christ the Lord.” The “all people” includes older people like me. You know that my wife regularly calls me “Old Geezer,” ostensibly as a term of endearment. This week, she called me by my name, and I asked her to whom she was speaking. I thought about entitling this message “Old Geezers at Christmas,” but I did not want to offend anyone. Let us briefly consider the role of older people at that first Christmas.
1. ZACHARIAS AND ELISABETH ENJOYED A DOUBLE BLESSING AT THE FIRST CHRISTMAS
As we studied last week, it is not wise to call one’s wife “well stricken in years” (Luke 1:18). It was, though, true (verses 6-8). As faithful believers, this godly couple had two preeminent hopes. One, they wanted a child, as was the cultural norm at that time. Second, they wanted to experience the promised advent of the Messiah. The first godly desire was fulfilled three months before the first Christmas, in the birth of the prophet and forerunner, John the Baptist. This miracle led to the fulfillment of their second great desire – to see the coming of the Messiah. This couple was granted both of these blessings, as Zacharias eloquently rejoiced (verses 76-79). Such is the goodness of God to these aging folks. Did anyone ever have a better Christmas?
2. SIMEON WAS LIKEWISE BLESSED AT THE FIRST CHRISTMAS
Luke 2:21-35 does not specifically state that Simeon was elderly, but the context lends itself to that interpretation. He had received a specific, individual promise from God that he would see the Savior (verse 26). What he did not expect is that this Savior would be a baby, only 41 days old. His readiness to die right then (verse 29) is a revelation of his genuine faith. Perhaps he lived for some time after this singular event; we do not know. However, we do know that when Simeon died, he entered into God’s everlasting presence, for “peace” (verse 26) is God’s best. Certainly that first Christmas was the highlight of Simeon’s life, a highlight that became even greater as he shared this personal, private blessing with others.
3. ANNA WAS ALSO BLESSED AT THE FIRST CHRISTMAS
Anna’s lengthy life of 84 years is summarized in just three verses (Luke 2:36-38). She served at the Temple as a cleaning lady – a necessity given the number of sacrifices performed there, as well as the many people who gathered there. She “gave thanks” (verse 38), an appropriate response, as she saw the infant Messiah. Like Zacharias, Elisabeth, and Simeon, she also shared this great good news: she “spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (verse 38). An elderly cleaning lady, a prophetess (verse 36), and an evangelist – what a unique woman!
CONCLUSION – God blessed these older folks, and they all became great blessings to others. Each one of them trusted in this promised Savior and were ready for eternity. Each one of us – young, old, or somewhere in between – needs to trust in Jesus for salvation. As we grow older in Christ, we do not become obsolete. Our memories are valuable (good and bad – think of young Mary growing older and seeing at the Cross the sad fulfillment of Simeon’s prophetic words to her from Luke 2:35), and our experiences in life lead to wisdom. Our perspective also changes. For example, the closest I get to materialism is wanting to watch my grandchildren open presents. As we age, may we love the birth of Christ Jesus even more, as Zacharias, Elisabeth, Simeon, and Anna did.