The anticipation of Christmas morning is something we all know well. As children, we counted the days with eager excitement, imagining the joy of tearing into beautifully wrapped gifts. This sense of waiting, though often focused on presents and holiday traditions, mirrors a deeper spiritual truth about longing and fulfillment—a truth beautifully illustrated in the story of Simeon from Luke 2.
Simeon: A Life of Waiting
Simeon lived a life defined by waiting. The Bible describes him as a righteous and devout man, waiting for the “consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25). This “consolation” referred to the peace and salvation promised by God, the reconciliation between humanity and its Creator. The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah, the Christ, with his own eyes.
Unlike those who waited passively, Simeon’s waiting was active and faith-filled. He studied Scripture, listened to God, and lived in hopeful expectation. He trusted God’s promise and was ready when the Spirit led him to the temple courts on the day that Joseph and Mary brought baby Jesus to fulfill the custom of the law.
Redemption in Action
At that moment, Simeon encountered the long-awaited Messiah. He held Jesus in his arms and declared, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:29-30). Simeon recognized that this child was the fulfillment of all God’s promises—the Redeemer who would buy back humanity from sin.
Even as a baby, Jesus symbolized the salvation to come. His parents’ act of presenting him in the temple, redeeming their firstborn son according to the law, was a foreshadowing of how Jesus would redeem us—not with silver or gold, but with his precious blood.
Missing Christmas
What stands out in this story is not only Simeon’s faith but also the stark contrast of others in the temple that day. While Simeon recognized Jesus as the Messiah, many others passed by, oblivious to the miracle unfolding in their midst. They were busy with religious rituals and daily routines, missing the very heart of Christmas—God with us, Emmanuel.
What Are You Waiting For?
This Christmas, Simeon’s story challenges us to reflect on our own hearts. What are we waiting for? Are we longing for material gifts, rest, or traditions? Or are we seeking the presence of Jesus? The truth is, we find what we are looking for. If we seek Christ, we will find Him. Isaiah 55:6 reminds us, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”
Giving the Gift of Worship
Christmas is an opportunity to realign our hearts. Like Simeon, we can live with eyes open to God’s promises and hearts ready to encounter Jesus. One practical way to make this season meaningful is to give gifts to Jesus, just as the wise men brought their treasures. These gifts may take the form of personal sacrifices, commitments to prayer or Scripture reading, or acts of love toward others.
A Christmas Prayer
As we celebrate this sacred season, let’s echo Simeon’s prayer: “My eyes have seen your salvation.” May we find joy not in the fleeting pleasures of the season but in the eternal gift of Christ, who came to bring us peace with God.
