The Richness of Older Generations

I was excited to preach about Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:22-38) this past Sunday, even though I was shifting from the lectionary choice of Jesus’ Baptism. I believe that this story is so important and wonderful for many reasons and really points to how God operates.

Simeon had been told by God that he would not die until he saw the Messiah, and somehow the Holy Spirit let him know that this was the big day. He went to the temple and saw Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus at 40 days old to be dedicated as per Jewish law. He scooped Jesus into his arms, said prophetic words over him and to his parents, and was radiant with joy that God had kept this promise. Anna, a widowed prophet who lived in the temple, devoted to fasting and prayer, caught on to what was happening. She was so excited that she couldn’t stop telling people that the Messiah had finally come to save God’s people.

Both Simeon and Anna were elderly, wise, faithful, attuned to what God was doing, and filled with joy and humility to be part of God’s story. At the church where I preach typically I’m the second youngest there, unless we have grandkids visit. The vast majority are in at least their 70s, with many in their 80s and 90s and still very active and alive in their faith. This is true of many churches these days, and breeds anxiety, fear and even guilt about there not being enough people coming up behind to replace them and to keep things going.

Part of why I love this story is that even as Simeon and Anna are in their twilight years, God honours them and includes them in a huge moment. Their words have an enormous impact on Mary and Joseph and anyone close enough to hear and pay attention. Their faith is a lifeline to a young couple probably overwhelmed as they navigate the enormous temple and the large city of Jerusalem when they’re accustomed to the tiny village of Nazareth and the town of Bethlehem. So much has happened to them, so much is going on around them, and they aren’t just regular parents but parents raising and protecting the Son of God. I can’t imagine how much it meant to them to have these wonderful elders speak hope and love into that day.

We can worry and be anxious about when we are going to lose the anchors and champions of faith in our congregations, or we can focus on making the most of the time they have with us and perhaps even extending it by enabling them to actively participate as much as they are able. Think about the following:

1) Matching a senior with a young family for informal get-togethers, or training and assigning mentors to parents or young adults as they try to navigate life.

2) Ask seniors what they would love to do now with their gifts and brainstorm ways of working around any challenges this presents for them.

3) Have intentionally inter-generational pageants, worship, children’s time stories and/or opportunities to serve together.

4) Have youth or others interview seniors, particularly shut-ins, to ask them what church was like when they were younger, why they love their faith and/or what God has shown or taught them.

This is just a starting point, but we do a disservice to both seniors and the generations after them if we don’t actively provide opportunities to learn from each other and to share in our faith. There are many Simeons and Annas in our pews, and the gifts they have to share are priceless. For as long as God calls them to be among us, we need to see and celebrate the blessings they bring.