Bible Text: Luke 2:21-38 | Preacher: Pastor Steve | Series: The Best Christmas Ever
The Best of Christmas is…
What God Promises God Fulfills!
Luke 2:25 Now there was a man named Simeon who lived in Jerusalem. He was a righteous man and very devout. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he eagerly expected the Messiah to come and rescue Israel.
Waiting is hard: Luke 2:26 The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah
2 Peter 3:8-9
The Best Christmas is…
Luke 2:27-32 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required…
AND THEN…
Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, Lord, now I can die in peace! As you promised me, I have seen the Savior you have given to all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!
The Best Christmas is…
Our Willingness to be Surprised by God!
Simeon declared: …I have seen him as you promised me I would. I have seen the Savior you have given to the world. He is the Light that will shine upon the nations, and he will be the glory of your people Israel!
Waiting isn’t just about getting what we’re waiting for:   it is also a matter of what kind of person we become in the process of waiting.
The Best of Christmas is…
Small Beginnings that are the Start of Great Things!
Zechariah 4:10 Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin…
Luke 2:33-35 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.
The Best of Christmas is the Promised King
Luke 2:36-38 Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, and was very old. She was a widow, for her husband had died when they had been married only seven years. She was now eighty-four years old. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about Jesus to everyone who had been waiting for the promised King to come and deliver Jerusalem.
Job 11:13-16
If only you would…
prepare your heart and…
lift up your hands to him in prayer!
Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you.
Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away.
The BEST of Christmas is…
Being so in love with God and so open to serve with humility that our “self” needs are not as important.
Therefore IF Jesus is REALLY the most important person in your life THEN you KNOW that Jesus loves you and sees you as a highly favored one!
The Best of Christmas is…
 Total Commitment to the Lord
…she never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer.– 
…and she began praising God. She talked about Jesus to everyone who had been waiting for the promised King to come and deliver Jerusalem.