Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. - Luke 2:22 NLT The law of the Lord says, “If a woman's first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the LORD.” - Luke 2:23 NLT So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord–“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” - Luke 2:24 NLT "If a woman cannot afford to bring a lamb, she must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons… - Leviticus 12:8 NLT At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him - Luke 2:25 NLT and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. - Luke 2:26 NLT That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, - Luke 2:27-28 NLT "Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. - Luke 2:29-31 NLT He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!" - Luke 2:32 NLT Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby's mother, "This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. - Luke 2:34 NLT As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul." - Luke 2:35 NLT 1. Don’t Become This Christmas. It’s not about the presents but the presence. "Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. - Luke 2:29-31 NLT He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!" - Luke 2:32 NLT 2. Be This Christmas. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. - Ezekiel 36:26 NLT This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! - 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT 3. Be a This Christmas.