Simeon and Anna (Hannah): Blessing the Christ Child by Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

In relating the Christmas story, we often overlook the significance of Simeon and Anna (her Hebrew name is Hannah.)  These two elderly people, who had long waited for the coming of Messiah, picture the hope, the contentment, the fulfillment of the coming of Messiah into each of our lives. 

They picture the ministry that can come in our glory years.  (Proverbs 16:31 (NKJV): ^“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness.”

We must never feel that we no longer have a ministry. I often think of a lovely lady in her nineties who used to call me, a young mother, and say, “Honey, I have some extra time today.  Is there anything you want me to pray about?”  Always, I poured out my heart to her and she prayed, comforted and consoled.  She had the spirit of Simeon and Anna. 

  

We learn much from knowing the meanings of Biblical names.  Simeon means one that hears or obeys; one that is heard. Simeon was obedient to the call of God on his life.  It had been prophesied that he would not die until he had see the Messiah.

Luke 2:29-32 (NKJV)   "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel."

Simeon was righteous man who spent his waiting for the Savior. He was waiting  for the comfort  promised in Isaiah 40:1 (NKJV)  "Comfort, yes, comfort My people!" Says your God.Upon seeing the Christ Child, Simeon called forth the salvation of both Gentiles and Jews who will accept the light of Jesus Christ into their lives.

Luke 2:33-36 (NKJV) : "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." 

 

Simeon revealed that Jesus will shake up the world around Him.  Not everyone will accept Him as Lord and Savior.  Many will speak out against Him. Mary will suffer the heartbreak of seeing her Son suffering on the Cross. Salvation came with a price.

In times of persecution and vilification, Christians in every age are call to pay the price of salvation as well:  

Matthew 16:24-26 (NKJV): ^“Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”  

We, too, are to shake up the world around us.  How do we do it?

It is a spiritual war and we must come in the opposite spirit of the one that permeates so much of the world today.  The world will be shaken by our words and our behavior.

The Tenors sang of that spirit.

An Instrument of peace

Where there is hatred, let me bring love
Where there is doubt, let me bring faith

Where there is falsehood, let me bring truth
Where there is pain, I'll comfort you

Where there is silence, let me sing praise
Where there's despair, let me bring hope

Where there is blindness, let me bring sight
Where there is darkness, let me bring light

And that brings us to Anna.

Luke 2:36-38 (NKJV); “Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;  and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.  And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”

Anna lived in the Temple.  That speaks of relationship with the Lord.  Her name means gracious; merciful; one that gives. She was the daughter Phanuel.  Phanuel means face or vision of God.  She was of the tribe of Asher.  Asher means happiness.

Her relationship with the Lord brought mercy and grace into her life.  She had the gift of prophecy and with it visions from the Lord.  Therefore, she happily awaited the fulfillment of God’s word. After that, at the age of eighty-four she preached redemption.

As we walk through this season, may we shine forth the spirit of Simeon and Anna.  May we be obedient, merciful and happy because the joy of the Lord is our strength. The world needs our strength and our joy.