In This Issue 3
Coffee with the Elders Mission Services The Gospel Institute Schedule of Christmas Services
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Seasoned Singles Lunch Youth Calendar PrimeTime First Prayer Open Hearts Open Homes Children’s Home Gifts RESOLVEDto
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Children’s Ministries Parenting Elective
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Global Outreach
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Men’s Conference Women’s Ministry
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A Community Christmas
Living Expectantly Simeon fascinates me. We know so little about him and yet so much. We do not know his education or his job. We do not know whether he had children or even if he was married. We do not know any of his talents or responsibilities. We do not know whether he was rich or poor. We do not know much at all about his earthly life. But God gives us a captivating picture of Simeon’s soul in Luke 2. We discover that Simeon is a Gospel-saturated man who enjoyed God and set his hope on God’s promises. Luke introduces us to Simeon eight days after the angels and some obscure shepherds celebrate the first Christmas. Few others grasp anything noteworthy having taken place, let alone that the greatest event in human history has just transpired. Quietly, Mary and Joseph travel the five miles from Bethlehem to Jerusalem in order to
Dr. Ritch Boerckel
present their new baby in the Temple. Up and down over hills they journey until they reach their destination. They have purchased a couple young pigeons to offer sacrifices in worship as they present their newborn to the Lord. As they enter the Temple, an older man with a beaming smile on his face rushes up to them to greet them. At first, they are disquieted by the sudden approach of this stranger, but they soon perceive that he is a devout and godly man who is sent by God with a message for them. Such a man of faith is rare in these times and his presence evokes a splash of joy for these young parents. This man introduces himself as Simeon. His gentle eyes rest upon Jesus as Mary cradles her baby in her arms. Simeon’s eyes dance with wonder as asks to hold Jesus. Gladly, Mary passes her son to Simeon. Continued on page 2