Sermon Sketch: Sunday 2007.12.30

The Gift of Focus
Luke 2:21-40

It is remarkable that Simeon and Anna so readily recognized Jesus for who he was. The focus of their lives and their faith gave them the ability to see God at work in their time and in their community.

1. We Need to Focus on the Way We Live
- Simeon's life was described as "righteous and devout" (2:25)
- Anna "worshiped night and day" and "fasted and prayed" (2:37)
We too must live with devotion to God. We must focus on knowing God's word, pursuing holiness, and giving attention to spiritual formation.

2. We Need to Focus on What God is Doing
- Simeon recognized Jesus as "salvation" and "light" (2:30-32)
- Anna recognized Jesus as "the redeemer" (2:38)
It's all too easy to practice religion without remembering God's larger redemptive plan. Like Anna and Simeon, we need to keep our eyes set on God's great promises and purposes.

3. We Need to Focus on What God is Doing in Our Lives
- Simeon took the child in his arms and praised God (2:28)
- Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph and spoke to them about what was going in their lives (2:34-35)
We need to be careful to not think of God's plans and purposes as being somehow distant from us. God is at work in our lives, in our circumstances, and in our community. Living lives devoted to God and being mindful of God's promises and purposes will make us more able and ready to recognize what God is doing among us.

Prayer of Response:
O God, help each of us to love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help us to live righteous lives that are devoted to you. Give us hearts that are focused on what you are doing in our world. Help us to recognize what you are doing in our lives as individuals, in our families, in our church, and in our community. We ask in the name of Jesus our Lord and Saviour, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.