Life lately and forever seems to be one long wait after the other. Waiting for the latest news about Covid, waiting for a vaccine, waiting in lines in stores and at the gas station, waiting for the call back from the doctor, and waiting has never been something I like to do, how about you?
Simeon is an example of a faithful man that walked with God who was patiently waiting with great anticipation for ‘Israel’s consolation.’ He was in tune with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and “it had been revealed to him, by the Holy Spirit, that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” He was patiently waiting for the promised Jewish Messiah.
God arranged a ‘divine appointment’ between Jesus and Simeon in the temple where Jesus would be circumcised. The Holy Spirit guided Simeon to enter the courtyard at the very moment that Mary & Joseph arrived with the baby Jesus. He took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He says in verse 30, “For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples.” Then Simeon refers to Christ in verse 32 as, “a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and all the glory of Your people Israel.” What a joy it must have been for that patient, godly man to be able to see the Lord’s anointed.
Simeon was privileged to see the baby Jesus and hold Him in his arms – but how blessed are we to have the Holy Spirit of Christ dwelling in our hearts. We can look forward with hope and anticipation to the day when Christ returns for us, his church, just as Simeon trusted God’s promise to him. He reminds us in 1 Peter 1:13, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”
Meanwhile, we receive his undeserved favor and grace when by faith we trust Jesus as our Savior. The Holy Spirit fills us with his presence. We can say, with Simeon, “Let your servant depart in peace,” for we have received Jesus and one day will meet him face to face.
The promise: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20
Merry Christmas!
Deb Hill
Executive Assistant