According to the Jewish custom, Joseph and Mary brought baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice. While they were there, they were more than noticed by two senior citizens.

One was an old man named Simeon. The other was a widow woman by the name of Anna. There is no reason to believe that these two knew each other. Yet, it is very interesting that they both had the same reaction when they saw Jesus. They both gave thanks.

They gave thanks for receiving the promise. The passage tells us this concerning Simeon: And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. – Luke 2: 25-26

Everyone in Israel was waiting on the promised Messiah, but not all of them had been given a personal promise that they would see it. Simeon was glad that he was blessed just to be given a head’s up from God.

They gave thanks for living long enough to see the promise. Yes, Simeon did receive the promise and yes part of that promise was that he would live to see the promised fulfilled and the one who would bring deliverance to his people. Even so, he was thankful that he had actually lived to see it come true. How many times have you ever told God that you just want to live long enough to see it? See your child graduate. See your grandchildren born. See your house paid off. See your day of retirement. When you did, no doubt you too found yourself giving thanks.

They gave thanks for being able to confirm the promise. You heard of try the spirit by the spirit? Well, Joseph and Mary were pretty much dumb founded by the reception they had received from Simeon and before they could gather themselves and ask what had just happened, here comes Anna.

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. – 2: 38

In essence she confirmed what Simeon had just said about the identity of Jesus as the long awaited Messiah. Thus, she not only gave thanks for seeing Jesus, but for being able to confirm the promise and say Amen!

There are many seniors among us who can say: “Thank God he said it. Thank God I saw it. Thank God we can all certify it.”