“‘For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,’ says the LORD.” (Jeremiah 30:17a)
“God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation; it’s now out in the open for everyone to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel.” (Simeon, embracing the infant Jesus in the temple, recorded in Luke 2, from The Message)
The story of Simeon is a stirring part of the Christmas account. I’d encourage us all to re-read it in Luke chapter 2 and put ourselves in Simeon’s place. The Word says that he had “waited for the consolation of Israel,” and I suspect he had waited in agony of spirit, in desperate longing for the hope and healing and comfort that would bring deliverance to God’s people. The Holy Spirit had come to Simeon and had promised, “You will not taste death before you’ve seen the Messiah.” The Spirit then led Simeon into the temple, and when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to present him to the Lord, Simeon knew. This was the One. Hope incarnate. Salvation in the flesh. Simeon took into his arms this bundle of fragile Deliverance, swaddled against the elements, and held him tenderly, and blessed him, and rejoiced. Behold, a “God-revealing light” to the Gentiles, and the glory of all Israel. Hallelujah!
Ah, LORD, I imagine your servant Simeon rejoicing at the fulfillment of your promise to him, breaking into tears of joy as he held his Savior, the infant Jesus. Thank you, O LORD, that this same sweet hope and comfort is available to me today. Through Christ…Amen!
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