“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32 ESV)
As Joseph, Mary, and Jesus entered the Temple that day, something incredible happened. As they completed what was required of them by the Mosaic Law, they met a man named Simeon. From the Scripture, we learn that this man was righteous, devout, and living expectantly for the fulfillment of God’s promises (“the consolation of Israel”). As we read, we learn that Simeon had a revelation from the Holy Spirit that he would not die until his own eyes beheld the “Lord’s Christ,” that is the promised Messiah and Redeemer.
We are reminded that while the birth of Jesus the Christ caught many unprepared and unaware, that still a faithful remnant eagerly awaited the fulfillment of God’s promises. This faithful servant of God waited for the fulfillment of what God had promised him. How difficult this must have been! The Scripture doesn’t tell us exactly how long Simeon had waited, but I get the feeling it was longer than I’d be comfortable with. Remember, while you are waiting, God is doing something!
John Piper once remarked: “God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.” It can be so difficult in the waiting! Sometimes we are convinced that our prayers go unheard or even worse, the promises of God won’t come to pass. On the authority of Scripture, neither of those things are true. Regardless of how long he had to wait, this blessed day Simeon’s wait was over! As the old man “took him up in his arms and blessed God” we can only imagine the joy, excitement, and gratitude that overwhelmed his heart.
If we stop for just a minute, that is the types of emotions the beauty of the true Biblical Christmas story should evoke: joy, excitement, gratitude. Because Jesus came at the incarnation, life will never be the same. Simeon began to praise God as he celebrated God’s faithfulness in keeping His word. Simeon had held the new born Messiah in his own hands, looked into His precious eyes, and beheld the very One by whom all God’s promises of redemption and life would be fulfilled.
This incredible salvation that would come through Jesus was one that God Himself had prepared, not in secret, but for all the world to see and hear. We are reminded of a constant theme in the Old Testament: Jesus the Messiah would be the One by whom all nations would be blessed. Jesus is the very One who has brought light into the souls of countless millions of gentiles all across the world! One day, as Revelation reminds us, this light will shine into the hearts of every tribe, tongue and nation. Yes church, we have so much to give thanks for, to celebrate and rejoice for, and to bless God’s name for.
As Simeon blessed God for this seemingly insignificant child from a poor family, his parents did what any sane person would do: they marveled! Even after all they had heard, witnessed, and experienced, it was still an incredible thing to have a totally random stranger proclaim such incredible news over Jesus. Simeon warned Mary about Jesus saying “this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed.” (Luke 2:34) This prophetic promise would be fulfilled just a few short decades from that very moment.
As Simeon’s blessing came to a close that day, he warned Mary that “a sword will pierce through your own soul also.” We are reminded that God’s plan of redemption didn’t end at the incarnation, this was only the beginning. Standing just a few hundred yards from that very same Temple 33 years later, Mary would watch in horror as Jesus was crucified for the sins of humanity. Thank God that the incredible, precious life of Jesus didn’t end on the cross!
Heavenly Father, thank You that we can gaze upon Your salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. We will forever be grateful for the light of revelation that Jesus has brought into our lives. Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to rescue us full well knowing the cost that would be paid. Lord, help us to be patient in the waiting and trust that You will keep Your promises. Fill us with joy, excitement, and gratitude this Christmas season, in Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
