Simeon and Hannah

We focus often on the shepherds and the magi. I wonder why we pay so little attention to the second "group" that encountered our Savior--Simeon and Hannah. A month or so after His birth, they embraced Him in the temple. What a place to meet the Savior!! Perhaps the two greatest scholars in Israel. Both knew He was coming--and why. "A light to the Gentiles and the glory of His people Israel." We assume Simeon was an older gentleman--don't know for sure; Hannah was in her eighties. A long time prayer warrior!! Two saints who spent their days in fellowship with the Father--and knew it. Rejoiced in His presence in their daily walk! I can just see Simeon holding that baby in his arms, blessing the promise keeping God and then blessing Mary and Joseph. (I wonder how many times he had come to the temple in expectation: "This is the day I will see Him!") Joy and sorrow in his eyes as he gently, I'm sure, told Mary of the deep and piercing sorrow she would experience by loving her Son. And Hannah coming over in the beauty of her old age (Is there anything more beautiful than the countenance of Christ radiating from one of His elderly faithful saints?) to embrace the little child as well. And then off to tell her "Bible study group" that the Redeemer had come! "I've seen Him. I've held Him!" The rewarding of the saints in the land of the living! May we who love Him having not seen Him--yet believing in Him, bless our Father and tell all who will listen, "The Redeemer has come! The Light and Glory of the world! Embrace His salvation freely offered to all who will believe."

"For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given . . . and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!"

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities;
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit;
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagles."

Hannah was a young 87 that day!!