²⁵ There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. ²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah.²⁷ Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, ²⁸ Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,

²⁹ Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
³⁰ For my eyes have seen your salvation.
³¹ You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and glory to your people Israel. (Luke 2:25-32)

This short snippet is all we know of this man named Simeon. As a righteous, devout Jew of that day, he would have gone to the Temple each morning for prayer. He knew he would see the Lord’s Messiah, the anointed one, before he died.

I picture Simeon’s waiting as a child anticipates opening their gifts on Christmas morning. Waiting, waiting with a hope that Santa would deliver exactly what they are waiting for. He isn’t waiting with a doom and gloom hanging over his days. Knowing when the Messiah comes he will die.

Guided by the Spirit, I see a man rushing into the temple every morning wondering if today will be the day. We don’t know anything else about Simeon except what is in this brief story. We know he faithfully prayed every day waiting on Jesus. Waiting for a promise.

Can you picture his joy when Joseph and Mary walked into the Temple. Jesus would have been eight-days old as was the custom under Jewish law to present their child to God. Still a tiny baby, looking like every other child presented at the temple. But Simeon recognized him the moment he saw him.

Simeon’s life of faithful service lived for this one moment in time. Taking up the child in his arms he holds his promise and the hope of each of us.

” I can now die in peace because you have delivered what you promised.”

God allowed Simeon to see His salvation. Prepared in the presence of all people. A light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.

God prepared a way for each of us to see that same promise. His glory and His light revealed to us. God, I pray today I wait for you with the same hope Simeon held onto. While I wait, Lord let me remain faithful, prayerful, and always hopeful.