1. Luke 2:22-38

2. New Year’s Resolutions?

3. The Example of Mary and Joseph  Every excuse not to start well  Circumcision on the eighth day-v.21 Genesis 17: 12  Mary’s purification and thanks offering-v.22,24- Leviticus 12:6-8 Very poor  Pidyon ha Ben- dedication of the first born-v.23 –Exodus 13:13-16  What do our children see?

4. Finishing Strong Simeon and Anna  Waiting on the Lord-v.25 Psalm 27:14 Isaiah 40:31 Simeon studied, knew and believed in the promises of God’s Word Isaiah 49:13 – Israel’s Consolation  Righteous and devout-v.25 Simeon lived God’s Word Leviticus 11:44 – The real deal! People saw holiness.  The Holy Spirit was upon him –v.25-26- A great New Year’s resolution- Galatians 5:22 More fruit!  An attitude of gratitude-v.28 He gratefully received Jesus and blessed God Zechariah 14:20  He gave testimony to God’s goodness and faithfulness- v.29-32  Now I can die in peace-v.29 – Job 19:25

5. Anna  An 84 year old widow-v.36-37  She didn’t let bitter circumstances define her life and her attitude Romans 5:3-5  She didn’t depart from the temple- worshipping night and day I Thessalonians 5:17-18  Worship- avodah- service- How may I serve you Lord? Romans 12:1-3

6. God Rewarded Their Perseverance  Coming at that very hour-v.27,38  God’s perfect timing Habakkuk 2:3  Will you be ready and waiting?

7. The time of Christ’s coming is soon!