December 25 | Luke 2:25-35

Judy Webb
Dec 25, 2025
2 min read

DAILY READING

LUKE 2:25-35

REFLECTION

Wisdom of the Aged

By Judy Webb

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout...It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. (Luke 2:25-26)

This is a story we read every year around this time and it is told through the eyes of a man named Simeon, one of the godly remnants of Jews who was waiting for the coming of the Messiah. There is another story which parallels this one, of a widow named Anna who never left the temple but worshipped, fasted and prayed day and night. She too was part of the godly remnant. As I think about these two Biblical characters, each of them very old

I ask for the same wisdom and vision for me.

Just as Jesus was being presented to he Lord, and as Simeon was speaking to Mary, Anna came up to this little cluster of people. She gave thanks to the Lord for the promised Redeemer, then spoke about Jesus to the faithful ones in Jerusalem who were expecting redemption. Simeon and Anna each recognized Jesus as the Messiah, the Promised One, the Redeemer of Man.

These two elderly individuals obviously knew scripture and were waiting for this moment. They understood just how important this occasion was, as they prophesied and testified to the Greatness in their presence. What comfort Jesus’ parents must have felt as they presented their Son, Jesus, to be dedicated in the temple.

After all the happenings leading up to Jesus' birth, the long and tiring journey to Bethlehem, lodging in a stall as the birth transpired--for Mary and Joseph to encounter these faithful, loving elderly saints must have been a great relief. To have the divinity of the child confirmed in such a way; well, this gave Mary so much more to ponder in her heart.

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Thank you for this story of the faithfulness of your saints. Keep us always - no matter how old we become, to always turn to you. And Heavenly Father, show us how precious are all the things Mary pondered in her heart, and are still precious today. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.