Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Gray hair: Crown of glory
Luke 2:25-38
v. 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.” 
 
This text presents an old man named Simeon and an old woman named Anna. After the days of purification, Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple. He was received there by an elderly prophet Simeon and then by an elderly prophetess Anna. The Bible reveals that they had awaited the coming of Christ and had lived righteous lives. They were both very God-centered elderly people. 

They were eagerly waiting for years for God's Messiah and for the restoration of their country. They were waiting for God's answer. For their waiting God had not forgotten them. In the life of Simeon and Anna God had heard their prayer and made their waiting fruitful.. It had been revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah, the Lord's Christ. And so, when Jesus was brought to the temple at eight days of age, Simeon was moved by the Spirit to come, and he recognized the child and took him into his arms and blessed. At that very hour Anna came near also and recognized the child and began to thank God and speak about the babe. Simeon was righteous and devout, with the Holy Spirit upon him (v. 25). Anna hardly departs from the temple worshiping God with fasting and prayer night and day (v. 37). 

Simeon and Anna were in their old age. In that age the life situations may spoil the faith or deepen it. It all depends on how one chooses to respond to the situations of life. Simeon and Anna chose a better path they chose to reveal the grace of God in and through their lives. They witnessed the Messiah and gave blessings to the family. This blessing helped Joseph and Mary to be prepared to face the challenges in bringing up baby Jesus. Satisfaction and meaning in life are measured by how one serves God. They find satisfaction in serving God in their old age. Hence Grey hair becomes the crown of glory.
 
Prayer
O Lord help us to make our life meaningful by serving you up to the end of our life.

Rev. Saju C Pappachan
St. Thomas MTC

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