Barrett Goldberg
Luke 2:25-32
Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 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. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
“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.”
Reflection
As I read this passage, I can’t help but think what Simeon’s face must have looked like when he saw Jesus with Mary and Joseph for the first time at the temple. I’m sure his joy at the birth of the Savior was uncontainable. The Holy Spirit had told him he would see the birth of Christ before his death, but I wonder how long he had to wait? I’m sure he wondered if the day would ever come.
As I think about Simeon and his waiting for the Messiah, I am reminded that joy becomes greater the longer we wait. I think if Simeon had been told the week before that he would not die before he saw the Savior of Israel, his joy at the sight of Jesus might not have been as abundant.
I often hear people say that they like to plan vacations and fun things so that they can “have something to look forward to”. I can’t think of any greater day to anticipate than the day each of us will get to meet Jesus face to face. For most of us, it will be a long wait, and I expect like Simeon, that our joy will be boundless beyond measure.
This Christmas, let’s replace our anticipation of temporary earthly happiness with the expectation of joy that will come when we will meet our Lord. Let us trust in God’s promise that He will restore all things and make them new. That is truly something worth waiting for.
Prayer
Father, thank you for the reminder that Simeon gives us to trust your words and remain expectant of the day we will get to meet you face to face. Thank you that there will be no greater joy than that day. Help us as we continue in the often-difficult reality of life on earth to remember that one day you will make all things new and restore your people. Prompt us to share our hope with those who have none so that your kingdom may be full. Amen.
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