Jesus was taken to the temple to be circumcised eight days after his birth. Jesus’ birth came with confirmation from Simeon and Anna in the temple. Simeon’s prophetic praise (Luke 2:25-35) and Anna’s testimony point to Jesus as being the promised Messiah who will rescue the people of God.

We do not know much about Anna. We know that she was a prophetess from the tribe of Asher. Anna was married for seven years before her husband died. Luke records that Anna has been a widow for eighty-four years and served in the temple. 

While we do not know much about Anna we know that she was a woman of faith and devotion to God. Luke 2:37 says, “She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers.” Anna was constantly around the temple. She either lived in a building attached to the temple or this was a way of stating that she spent considerable amount of time in the temple. Either way, this widow devoted her entire life to serving God. 

Reading Anna’s short biography has me reflecting on my own. What would be said about my faith? Am I fully devoted to the worship and work of God?

I pray that I would be able to answer these questions with a yes – not so that my name would be positively remembered throughout the generations but so that my limited time on earth would point to the Name that is above all other names – the name of Jesus. 

Live It: 

• If your name showed up in the Bible, what would your short bio include? Would your faith be recorded? 

• Are you fully devoted to the work and worship of Jesus? 

Christ Chronological: Luke 2:21-38

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The angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus by sharing this news with shepherds who were watching their flocks nearby. Below is the breakdown of the announcement from the angel. 

“I proclaim to you good news” 

The Greek word used here is euangelizō which is the word used for the gospel. When we refer to “the gospel” it communicated the good news that Jesus stepped into humanity to save us from our sins. The angel announces that the greatest news in the history of humanity had entered into the world – Jesus had arrived to save the world. Jesus’ arrival is “good news” because it brings forgiveness of sins and redemption through faith. Men and women can be restored to God through Jesus.

“of great joy”

A product of the gospel is great joy. Joy isn’t a reference to a feeling of happiness but a supernatural joy that is found when our hope is secure in Jesus. Joy isn’t dependent on your surroundings but on your hope. A loss of joy points to misplaced hope. When something that we have placed our hope in fails us we will lose hope. The gospel brings great joy because hope is secure in the finished work of Jesus. He will never fail us. He will uphold us with his mighty hand and loving grace. Jesus’ arrival brings us great joy. 

“that will be for all the people”

Jesus came to earth to restore “all the people” of the world. His grace and mercy are not exclusive to the Jewish people. All people, all races, all socio economic statuses, and all backgrounds can place their faith in Jesus. Jesus is the promise of life. All sins can be forgiven. All people can be redeemed. All who place their trust in Jesus know that there is great joy in the goodness of Jesus.  

Live It: 

• Are you joyous? 
• Have you placed your hope in something other than Jesus? 
• What promises of Jesus do you need to set your hope in today? 

Christ Chronological: Luke 2:8-20

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Mary and Joseph traveled about 90 miles to Bethlehem to be registered for the census and to pay taxes. The engaged couple were not intimate but Mary was expecting a son. We have become so familiar with the narrative of Jesus’ birth that we can miss how scared, alone, and confused Mary and Joseph must have felt. Imagine if you were on vacation and had to give birth on the side of the road because there was no other option for you. Imagine having no family support for the first few days after you delivered your child. If we are not careful to read and understand the setting of the narrative we can wrongly assume that it was a peaceful, easy night. 

• The Savior of the world was born without a home. 
• The Savior of the world was born to young parents.
• The Savior of the world was born in the lowest place. 

Sometimes God’s plan begins in an unconventional way. 

The birth of Jesus is a celebration that the God of the Universe stepped into human existence and put on flesh so that He could put on our sin and shame. This mission of hope and restoration was promised to the nation of Israel throughout their history and became a reality for all humans when Jesus entered the earth. 

It was not a random event – it was perfectly planned by God. Jesus’ birth, life, and death fulfill the Old Testament prophecies and still His grace extends beyond the nation of Israel to all people. 

Jesus wasn’t the Messiah that some expected but he is the King that we all desperately need. 

God is in control. His plans are perfect. 

Live It: 

• Are you in a season that seems random, unconventional, or out of control? 
• How can you take steps to rely on God during that season? 

Christ Chronological: Matthew 1:18-25 & Luke 2:1-7

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Luke chapter one closes with Zechariah’s prophecy about how God will use John the Baptist’s life. The crowd surrounded Zechariah and Elizabeth when John was circumcised when he was eight years old. Zechariah was finally able to speak and he praised God with his first words then began to prophesy. John would grow up and prepare the way for the Messiah and be the first prophet that has come in over 400 years. Salvation was coming into the world and John would point people to Jesus. 

Zechariah finished prophesying about John’s life and Luke concludes the account with this descriptive statement: 

“The child grew up and became spiritually strong, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.” – Luke 1:80

Zechariah and Elizabeth would have to wait for John to mature before the prophesy would become true. 

• John had to grow up to accomplish the plans that God had for his life. 
• John had to spiritually mature to live a life of faith. 
• John had to become spiritually strong. 

God may be preparing you for something that is to come but this season of waiting is not void of action. You must continue to grow in your faith and be prepared for whatever God has in your future. Babies cannot accomplish God’s plans. Babies must mature, develop, and grow to become participants in the work of Jesus.

Seasons of waiting are seasons of preparation. 

Spiritual growth is a process called sanctification. Sanctification is being made into the likeness of Jesus. This process is a cooperative work between a Christian and the Holy Spirit that makes you more like Jesus.

“The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deeper people.” – Richard Foster 

The Bible instructs all Christians to grow spiritually but each Christian matures at different paces. Jesus desires for His followers to be deeply rooted in their faith.

Below are a few resources I have used in the past to deepen my own spiritual growth. I wanted to pass them along to you. I don’t have any affiliate links in this post – I simply believe in the effectiveness of these resources to encourage Christians to grow in their relationship with Jesus.

If you are interested in learning more about spiritual growth, check out this post that highlights some of my favorite books on spiritual growth.

[Read: Best Books On Spiritual Growth]

Live it: 

• Are you in a season of waiting? 
• How is God preparing your faith for your next phase of life? 

Christ Chronological: Luke 1:67-80

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The time came for Elizabeth to deliver John the Baptist. 

It seems that Elizabeth stayed hidden during her pregnancy and only told her neighbors once John was born (Luke 1:58). Their story of infertility was well-known in the community. Zechariah and Elizabeth were unable to conceive a child but now, in their old age, God has shown them favor and blessed them with a son. Luke 1:58 tells us that the neighbors celebrated the baby’s birth and praised God. God’s hand was evident in this .

Elizabeth and Zechariah took the baby to be circumcised when he was eight days old, in accordance with the Law. The baby had not been named and the group of neighbors and friends who gathered for the circumcision asked Elizabeth what she would name the child. Zechariah was mute from his encounter with Gabriel, the angel of the Lord. Elizabeth named the baby with the name that the angel Gabriel instructed – John. The crowd was confused for it was customary to name the child after a relative. 

Needing to confirm Elizabeth’s decision, the crowd turned and asked Zechariah what he would name the boy. Luke 1:68 says, “He asked for a writing tablet and wrote: ‘His name is John.’ And they were all amazed.” Zechariah obeyed the Lord’s instructions and named the baby John. Once the baby was named Zechariah regained his voice and began to praise God! The miraculous events around this birth caused the people to consider the powerful impact that John would have for the kingdom of God.  

The crowd was confused by the name that was given to the baby. It didn’t match the family’s past. 

When a person becomes a Christian the Bible says that he becomes a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). You receive a new identity and a new name. You are no longer a slave to sin, you are now a son or daughter of God.

Some people will try to label you with an old name but God has a new name for you. 

The crowd may question the new name and identity that Jesus gives you. They may point to your past and call you by your history. In Christ you have experienced a spiritual rebirth (John 3) and your Heavenly Father gives you an unshakeable name of redeemed, restored, freed, a friend, a co-worker, and beloved. 

Your identity isn’t based on your past sin, present successes, or future potential. Your identity is based on the finished work of Jesus. 

Live It: 

• Do you live with the awareness of your new identity in Jesus? 
• How do you respond when someone tries to label you with a name that isn’t given by Christ? 

Christ Chronological: Luke 1:57-66

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