Simeon prophesies concerning Jesus. (25–35)
Anna prophesies concerning him. (36–40)
Christ with the learned men in the temple. (41–52)Verses 1–7
The fulness of time was now come, when God would send forth his Son, made of a woman,
and made under the law. The circumstances of his birth were very mean. Christ was born at an inn;
he came into the world to sojourn here for awhile, as at an inn, and to teach us to do likewise. We
are become by sin like an outcast infant, helpless and forlorn; and such a one was Christ. He well
knew how unwilling we are to be meanly lodged, clothed, or fed; how we desire to have our children
decorated and indulged; how apt the poor are to envy the rich, and how prone the rich to disdain
the poor. But when we by faith view the Son of God being made man and lying in a manger, our
vanity, ambition, and envy are checked. We cannot, with this object rightly before us, seek great
things for ourselves or our children.
Verses 8–20
Angels were heralds of the new-born Saviour, but they were only sent to some poor, humble,
pious, industrious shepherds, who were in the business of their calling, keeping watch over their
flock. We are not out of the way of Divine visits, when we are employed in an honest calling, and
abide with God in it. Let God have the honour of this work; Glory to God in the highest. God's
good-will to men, manifested in sending the Messiah, redounds to his praise. Other works of God
are for his glory, but the redemption of the world is for his glory in the highest. God's goodwill in
sending the Messiah, brought peace into this lower world. Peace is here put for all that good which
flows to us from Christ's taking our nature upon him. This is a faithful saying, attested by an
innumerable company of angels, and well worthy of all acceptation, That the good-will of God
toward men, is glory to God in the highest, and peace on the earth. The shepherds lost no time, but
came with haste to the place. They were satisfied, and made known abroad concerning this child,
that he was the Saviour, even Christ the Lord. Mary carefully observed and thought upon all these
things, which were so suited to enliven her holy affections. We should be more delivered from
errors in judgment and practice, did we more fully ponder these things in our hearts. It is still
proclaimed in our ears that to us is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord. These should be glad tidings
to all.
Verses 21–24
Our Lord Jesus was not born in sin, and did not need that mortification of a corrupt nature, or
that renewal unto holiness, which were signified by circumcision. This ordinance was, in his case,
a pledge of his future perfect obedience to the whole law, in the midst of sufferings and temptations,
even unto death for us. At the end of forty days, Mary went up to the temple to offer the appointed
sacrifices for her purification. Joseph also presented the holy child Jesus, because, as a first-born
son, he was to be presented to the Lord, and redeemed according to the law. Let us present our