Worship Preparation - November 23, 2025
Read the sermon text: Luke 2:21-40
Read the sermon summary: In our passage for this Sunday, we encounter two righteous Jewish figures in the Jerusalem temple, who are waiting for the Messiah. The author frames these encounters with words about performing customs according to "Law of the Lord." This is contrasted with the mention of the Spirit three times in relation to Simeon, who speaks of God's salvation that has come in the form of Jesus. Something new is happening. The Spirit is moving. However, Simeon's words show that Jesus' identity as the Messiah is not some new invention, but that this baby is the fulfillment of what was promised by God as spoken by the prophets. In preparation for the sermon consider the following questions: What Old Testament references do you see in this passage? What is the significance of the encounter with these two figures, Simeon and Anna, especially as it occurs in the temple? What does it mean that God's salvation is "a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel?"
Read the following song lyrics in relation to the sermon:
Behold Him
Verse 1
He who was before there was light
Walked across the pages of time
He who made every living thing
Behold Him
He who heard humanity's cry
Left His throne to wake as a child
He became like the least of us
Behold Him
Chorus 1
Jesus Son of God Messiah
The Lamb the roaring Lion
Oh be still and behold Him
Verse 2
He who dined with sinners and saints
Healed the blind the lost and the lame
Even now He is in our midst
Behold Him
He who chose a criminal's end
Paid with blood to settle our debt
Buried death as He rose to life
Behold Him
Chorus 2
Jesus Son of God Messiah
The Lamb the roaring Lion
Oh be still and behold Him
Jesus Alpha and Omega
Our God the risen Savior
Oh be still and behold Him
Bridge
Holy holy holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Worthy worthy worthy
To receive all praise
CCLI Song #7133698
Mitch Wong | Paul Baloche
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