Be Prepared - Dec. 31

The shepherds, the wise men, Simeon, and Anna, all witnessed the infant miracle. When the moment came, they were prepared for the momentous event and have been blessed for eternity for their faithfulness. They are examples to each of us of the need to prepare our hearts for the coming of our Lord.

Today we read:
Luke 2: 25 - 38

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

  26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

  27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

  28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

  29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

  30 For mine eyes have seen thy ^asalvation,

  31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

  32 A ^alight ^bto lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

  33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is ^aset for the ^bfall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

  35 (Yea, a sword shall ^apierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

  36 And there was one Anna, a ^aprophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

  37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with ^afastings and prayers night and day.

  38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for ^aredemption in Jerusalem.

I love that the elderly have a special part in the Christmas story. Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph. I think of them both young, desperately poor, away from family, just having had a baby and traveling, marveling at the experiences they had had. What a tremendous blessing Simeon and Anna must have been for them. And what a blessing for Simeon and Anna - two devout disciples of Christ who served tirelessly, both near the ends of their lives. What an example for us.

Take a few minutes and compare & contrast the witnesses of Christ's birth - the shepherds, Simeon and Anna, the Wisemen. What spiritual qualities do each represent? I love that some were waiting and watching, some were actively searching, and some were faithfully fulfilling their callings. I love that all were sensitive to the Spirit, all were spiritually prepared to recognize and bear witness of the Savior. Am I doing what it takes to become that spiritually prepared? Would I recognize him?

Today's invitation is to make a Family Commitment - a goal that the entire family will work toward to improve spiritually and prepare for the Second Coming. Post your commitment on every bathroom mirror in the house to remind you of your commitment.

Today's song: Come Let Us Anew