In my regular devotional readings, the verse of the day this morning is from Matthew 7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." The two characters that come to mind from the Christmas narrative are Simeon and Anna.  Let me tell you their experiences.

Simeon was a dear old saint living in Jerusalem.  Luke describes him as "righteous and devout" as he was "waiting for the consolation of Israel." (Luke 2:25)  He was very much in tune with God as he sought Him regularly.  When Jesus was born, his parents brought Him to the temple in Jerusalem for the Jewish practice of making a special offering for the firstborn.  So as Simeon, being led by the Holy Spirit, and Mary and Joseph, also being led by the Spirit, met up in the temple at the same time, they were able to experience a very holy encounter!

Anna, similarly, was a widow woman in her 80's.  Rather than remarry and try again to have a family, she spent her days in the temple, "worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day."  (Luke 2:37)  Her life had been dedicated to seeking God and waiting upon Him.  In Anna's earnest pursuit of the Lord, she also had a chance meeting with the baby Jesus and His parents.

Chance?  Luck?  Coincidence?  My firm belief is that if we ask, seek and knock in pursuit of the Lord, He will open up to us divine and holy encounters.  As we have our daily devotions, as we participate in Sunday worship and Bible study regularly, we will meet the Lord Himself!  Not every event will be earth-shattering and mind-blowing.  But we will become more and more in tune with the Holy Spirit and get to know our amazing God as we continually and consistently seek Him through His Word and in fellowship with other Christ-followers.

Meditate on Simeon and Anna's stories in Luke chapter 2.

"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."  Jeremiah 29:13