X:Site November 2008 showed us that
The story of "the presentation in the Temple" - Mary and Joseph bring the baby Jesus to the Temple to do what the Law requires for every first-born Jewish child.
In the Temple they meet Simeon, a faithful man who has been waiting for God's promise to Israel to be fulfilled - the promise of a Messiah. He sees Jesus, and immediately recognises him as God's saviour. Now he can die in peace. He describes the child as a light who will enlighten all nations, and bring glory to God's people.
Also in the Temple is Anna - a devout 84 year-old widow woman, with gifts of prophecy. As soon as she sees Jesus, she begins to praise God, and tell everyone who is waiting for God's Messiah that at last he has come!
Wow! Here is the actual story straight from Gods Holy book, the Bible:
Luke 2:22-40
22 When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: a pair of doves or two young pigeons.
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.
33 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too. 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying.
38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
|
|
||
|
As they arrived for the November event the children decorated candle holders. |
|
|
|
Lee's up front game had blindfolded volunteers guessing what the mysterious items were! |
|
There were some very interesting items on hand! |
|
|
|
The group game involved dressing a granny in newspaper. |
|
The grannies then gave us a fashion parade.
|
|
Everyone enjoys all the songs and dancing. |
|
We lit the candles in the candle holders to remind us that Jesus came to be the light of the world.
|
|
All the lit candles gave a beautiful effect. |
|
Tim was a visitor to x:site, he so enjoyed himself he will probably come again!
|
|
Some people actually enjoy the drain pipe of doom.
|
|
|
|
Some of the decorated candle holders on display. |
|
|
|
As does Fiona. |
|
This group is having lots of fun! |
|
Lots of concentration going on here! |
|
These grannies have all been to Specsavers! |
|
What every well dressed granny should wear! |
