The first Act of Advent is Adoration, and today’s text, drawn from the stories about Simeon and Anna from Luke 2, once again draws us into seeing why we are led to adoration.

We are led to adore because:

1. Simeon, on the very sight of Jesus, saw salvation.
2. Simeon, on the very sight of Jesus, saw light.
3. Simeon, on the very sight of Jesus, saw revelation for Gentiles.
4. Simeon, on the very sight of Jesus, saw glory for Israel.
5. Anna, on the very sight of Jesus, saw the redemption of Israel.

These elderly poor folks in the Temple, when they saw Jesus, saw God’s act of redemption. What do we see when we see Jesus? They adored Jesus; we are led to adore him today.

25 Now
there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and
devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy
Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Moved
by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought
in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then
Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is
destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a
sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

36 There
was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of
Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years
after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming
up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about
the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of
Jerusalem.