Most of us are familiar with the second chapter of Luke up to the point that “Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) While that may be the end of the “birth narrative” as theologians term it, there is much more to the story of Jesus and Mary and Joseph in the rest of the chapter.
In the following verses we hear testimony from two aged prophets, Simeon and Anna, who have been told by the Holy Spirit that God’s Messiah is coming. They have waited long and faithfully, praying at the Temple, and when Jesus is brought to Jerusalem, they recognize Him immediately as the one God has sent to save all His people.
We are waiting too, but God expects us to wait actively, working together to bring His kingdom on earth. We are called to be patient, but also persistent, aware of the call He places on our lives.
Heavenly Father, we are sometimes impatient creatures, unwilling to wait and unworthy of the blessings You send. Help us to see that all things happen in Your time, according to Your plan. Thank You for being patient with us and giving us a Savior to follow with hope.