December 16

Scripture Reading

Luke 2:25-35

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.” And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

Devotion

The Advent season is a time of waiting, preparation, and anticipation for the coming of Jesus Christ. We identify with Simeon, who lived in patient expectation for the coming of the Messiah. The blessed Holy Spirit had promised Simeon he would not taste death until he beheld the Anointed One face-to-face. How many cares and uncertainties had surrounded Simeon during his long life? The focus of his heart was not on the past, nor was he enamored solely with the difficulties of the present, whether Roman occupation or old age. Simeon was looking forward to what God had promised. Thus, he was ready to be led by the Spirit toward actually seeing the fulfillment of God’s promise.

When Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus at the temple, Simeon’s vigilant spirit knew immediately that this child was the One for whom he had waited. Three times, we are told that it was Simeon’s walk with the Holy Spirit that led him to behold what God had promised. The Spirit was on him, the Holy Spirit revealed a promise for his own life, and the Spirit guided him to hold that precious promise in his own hands.

Taking the small frame of the Son of God into his aged arms, Simeon was flooded with joy and awe. The promises of God had been fulfilled. This Christ-child, Simeon proclaimed, was appointed for the rise and fall of many, and his life would pierce as a sword even the soul of his mother. He was the Light to the Gentiles, the Glory of Israel. What Simeon beheld that day was none other than the Lord’s salvation in tangible form.

We too can behold the presence of the living God as we wait expectantly during this Advent season. As we prepare our hearts, let us receive Christ afresh. Our walk with the Holy Spirit will lead us to God’s promise. Like Mary and Joseph, others will be amazed and look to God when they see what he has done.

Come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! The babe in the manger holds the hope of every nation in His tiny hands. May His presence revolutionize our hearts this Christmas season as we behold the Light that scatters all darkness. Our salvation has come! Like Simeon, we can now die in peace, for we have seen the glory of the Lord face-to-face. Hallelujah!

Reflection

1. What is one thing that you have waited a long time for?

2. Since Jesus already came, we don't need to wait like Simeon did. But how is our longing for his second coming?

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Notes

Song: The First Noel, Phil Wickham.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Picture: By Rembrandt - Web Gallery of Art:   Image  Info about artwork, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15464190