Merry Christmas, everyone!!
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to preach at Faith Community, finishing up the final week of their Advent series, where I focused on Simeon’s song from Luke 2:22-35.
As Yvette and I reflected on the context of the Christmas story, specifically this part, something stood out to us.
Right before Mary and Joseph meet Simeon, Luke 2:22-24 tells us they were on their way to Jerusalem for cleansing sacrifices, to present Jesus to God, and fulfill the Law of Moses. Leviticus 12 states that the mother is supposed to present a lamb and a dove or pigeon for sacrifice; but if she cannot afford it, she is to bring 2 doves or 2 pigeons. So because Luke 2 speaks about the doves and pigeons, I think it’s safe to infer that she couldn’t afford the lamb.
But think about this: She already had the lamb. God provided the lamb in Jesus—not only for Mary, but for all of us. And on that day when she offered her baby boy to the Lord, she did offer THE LAMB. And Simeon confirmed this with his song in Luke 2:29-32 by declaring Jesus as God’s salvation for all people.
About 33 years later, Mary would see the fulfillment of that statement as she witnessed The Lamb of God being sacrificed for her and for everyone—to make atonement for us all.
In the middle of all the holiday “hustle and bustle,” we pray that you’re able to take some time to reflect on ”the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29).
Steve Cullum 