Theme: Hope for the future. Simeon and Anna viewed Jesus as the fulfillment of their people's hopes and dreams. In a similar manner we see our hopes being fulfilled in our children and youth. We can be advanced in years and still live in hope.

COMMENTARY

Old Testament: Isaiah 61:10--62:3
The prophet of the third portion of Isaiah (circa 530 B.C.) holds up a brilliant hope for the discouraged Israelites returning from exile to their own land. He thanks God for clothing him in the Lord's robe of righteousness. He compares God's salvation to a new planting (v. 11). It doesn't look like much now but it will grow. In another metaphor he compares the relationship between the Lord and his people to that of a new bride and groom (vv. 3-5).

Epistle: Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7
When the time was ri…