Title: WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Focus: In the rites of circumcision (naming) and presentation, as well as in the prophetic responses of Simeon and Anna, we see the unfolding of God’s salvation to Jews and Gentiles.

Function: To move the people to worship and serve the Christ, for he is God’s saving gift to us.

Text: Luke 2:21-40

When you enter our home, you’ll notice in our living room, on the chimney mantel, a nativity scene, with Joseph and Mary and the Christ child in Mary’s arms, as well as shepherds, sheep, wise men and camels. These elements portray visually aspects of the Bible’s story about the birth of Christ.

Here in this sanctuary, you’ll notice other symbols marking the season of Christmas: The Christmas trees signify the season; the Christ-candle points to Jesus as the Light of the world, and the star in the background reminds us of God’s provision of a navigational instrument—the wise men’s GPS. All these elements are visuals that help us “see” with the eyes of faith what God has done in Christ.

But what do you see as you enter the Scripture reading for today? We note that Luke holds before us the circumcision or naming of the Christ child; we learn of Jesus’ presentation in the temple; and we encounter two prophetic responses of a man and woman by the names of Simeon and Anna. But what do you see here with the eyes of faith?

In the rites of circumcision and presentation, as well as in the prophetic responses of Simeon and Anna, we see the unfolding of God’s salvation to Jews and Gentiles. And thus the Spirit of God moves us today to worship and serve the Christ. For Jesus is God’s saving gift to us.

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The reading begins with these words: “On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise (the child), he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.” That picture may be a bit disconcerting to those of us who think that sacramental signs should not be given to babies or infants (after all, they can’t express faith-so goes the argument). But here we see that Mary’s child receives the sign of God’s covenant promise—circumcision. It is the ancient rite—begun with Abraham--that calls for the cutting away of some foreskin of every male child born in Israel.

Circumcision points to the promise of God to Abraham and his offspring. God would bless Abraham’s offspring and make them into a great nation, and out of Abraham would rise offspring that would be a blessing to all the nations of the world. Mary’s child embodies that blessing. “Jesus” is his name.

His name means “He who saves.” His name points to his mission or task in life: he is to save his people from their sins. So said the angel of the Lord to Joseph, and so instructed the angel Gabriel the virgin Mary. Mary’s child will live up to his name “Jesus.”

The rite of circumcision also points to the need for Abraham’s offspring to cut off or leave behind a life of sin, and develop a life of obedience to God’s covenant promises and expressed law. So we do well to ask the question, “Since Jesus is the sinless Son of God in the flesh, why on earth should Jesus be circumcised?”

The answer is telling and it is found in his name “Jesus.” You see, Jesus is the Sin Bearer; he takes your and my place; he assumes our sins and sinful nature (though he himself remains free from original sin or actual sins). Jesus is our Savior precisely because he will pay the wages of our sins.

Jesus’ circumcision announces good news to us today. Already in infancy (8 days old) God reveals his Son Jesus as Savior of the world. The child has not done anything yet. But already in childhood Jesus lives under the umbrella of God’s covenant promises and faithfulness. And his circumcision would remind Jesus (and us today) of his mission: To save us from our sins.

Note that at this stage (Jesus being 8 days old) the child obeys and submits to the will of his heavenly Father passively. Later, at around the age of 30, when Jesus began his public ministry, he actively obeys and submits to the saving will of his heavenly Father by insisting that John must baptize him. Though Jesus is without sin, he takes our place and signifies his mission of being our Sin Bearer. By going into the waters of the Jordan, Jesus signifies the need (our need) for cleansing and forgiveness of sins.

You and I share in Jesus’ baptism—through faith in him; and we share in Jesus’ circumcision—through faith in him. For in our own baptism, we participate in the life and obedience of Jesus. As Paul wrote to the Colossian church (Col. 2:11) “In him (Jesus) you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.” What do you see in Jesus’ circumcision? I see the Savior of the world—the Son of God in the flesh.

The next thing we see in the Gospel reading is the presentation of Jesus in the temple. In his Law, God had commanded to his people that every firstborn male child must be consecrated, for those firstborn male children belong

to the Lord. This command goes back to the days of Moses and the Exodus, when God claimed the firstborn children of the Egyptians by taking their lives. And God claimed the firstborn male children of the Israelites by sparing their lives. Through the application of blood on the doorposts of the Israelites’ homes, God bought or “redeemed” these children. They were to serve God as priests in Israel.

Later, however, God declared that the males of the tribe of Levi, were to play that very role of priests. The Levites became Israel’s official priests and servants in the temple of the Lord. Since then, parents were to present their firstborn male child to the priests in the temple; and by presenting a sacrifice (a pair of doves or two young pigeons), the parents would “buy back” or claim or redeem their son.

Mary and Joseph present their firstborn child to the Lord in the temple. Earlier, in his circumcision, we saw Jesus taking our place as Sin Bearer; now we see him take our place as our Redeemer. By participating in this rite of presentation, God declares to the world that our redemption, our deliverance, is near. Jesus is his name. By his shed blood on the cross, this child will redeem all who look up to him in faith. Ah, what do see in the presentation of Jesus? I see the Sin Bearer or Lamb of God revealed as our Redeemer.

We also see an old man entering the temple. Simeon is his name. Apparently, he belongs to a small group of devout Jewish believers who are devout and righteous—who take the prophecies of the Scriptures seriously, and who are “waiting for Israel’s consolation,” that is, who are waiting for God to send his Messiah or Redeemer to fulfill his covenant promises to Abraham and Sarah, to Moses and Joshua and King David and so many other Israelites.

We see Simeon, suddenly moved by the Spirit of God, coming up to Mary and Joseph, taking the child in his arms, and he sings a song of praise to God--a song of prophecy: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” What does Simeon see? What do you see?

A child—his name is Jesus—destined to save; a child, presented to God—appointed to redeem; a child who will be an eye-opener to you and me (the Gentiles), for Jesus is the light of the world who opens our eyes of faith. Simeon sees a child who is Israel’s glory, for it is out of Israel, out of Abraham’s offspring that God would show his salvation, his wondrous glory, to his people—and yes, to us. What do you see?

Simeon’s sees the Savior. But God also gives him to see some glimpses of the cost of salvation. Listen: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against….” Simeon sees a lightning rod, a stumbling block---many people would “fall” over this child. They would reject, dismiss, mock, minimize and tarnish this child. Others, however, would be lifted up by this child, for this child would “cause the rising of many in Israel;” that is, many would find resurrection and life in this child.

What does Simeon see? A Savior! Yes! But also a stumbling block—a very controversial child. Jesus’ salvation and redemption would come with a great cost. What do you see?

I see Anna. Old, old Anna, another righteous person, the daughter of Phanuel, a widow with the gift of prophecy. She witnesses the Christ child; she hears the praise of Simeon; and she confirms the words of Simeon. Thanking God, she then tells others in her small circle of friends who were “looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” that the Savior and Redeemer has come to the temple in the form of a baby. His name is Jesus. What do you see?

Congregation, in the rites of circumcision and presentation, as well as in the prophetic responses of Simeon and Anna, we see the unfolding of God’s salvation to Jews and Gentiles, to you and me as well.

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Christmas trees, candlesticks, and stars, along with nativity scenes—these are all visuals to remind us of the season of Christmas. But when you enter the Scriptures and embrace the Word of God in faith and trust, you will see more clearly the good news that God declares to us today.

I pray that you see Jesus—the real “Mc. Coy”—the Savior of the world and Redeemer of all who put their faith in him. I pray that you will not stumble over him. Do not minimize him; do not underestimate him; do not call him a “mere philosopher” or “extraordinary teacher.” Do not equate him with Mohammed, Buddha or any other eastern god or idol. Do not think of Jesus as a “man of his time.” Rather, see him as your only Savior of sin and death.

Meekness and majesty, manhood and Deity in perfect harmony, the Man who is God. Lord of eternity dwells in humanity, kneels in humility and washes our feet. Oh, what a mystery—meekness and majesty; bow down and worship, for this is your God.

Yes, that’s what we are to do: bow down and worship. For that’s what we see: our Savior God!

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.