Coming up to them at that very moment, she (Anna) gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. - Luke 2:38

Redemption.

That’s an interesting word. It means to buy back; To pay for; To release for a price.

In Biblical times when someone was in debt beyond what they could repay, they would offer themselves as payement for the debt. In essence they sold themselves into slavery.

The enslaved always had the right to buy themselves out of slavery and into freedom. The only requirement was they had to come up with the full price. Furthermore, anyone else could buy them out. It didn’t matter who paid the price. Once paid, the slave was free.

With our sin, you and I have sold ourselves into slavery. Every sin, every evil thought and desire creates a debt to God that we cannot repay. As long as the debt remains outstanding, we remain enslaved.

Anna praised God when she saw the baby Jesus in the temple because she knew He was to be more than a great prophet or king. She knew He was going to be the Price. Because of Jesus, we are redeemed. Your price has been paid.

Today’s Prayer
Jesus, thank You that Christmas means I no longer owe the debt that my sin has created. May I forever live in the knowledge and security that You are the complete payment. Amen.