The ways of God had been revealed to Simeon in Scripture. He was very intent on observing those who would do what was customary after the birth of the first male child. For Jewish parents, their first male child belonged to the Lord and would indeed be brought to the temple to be presented to the Lord. For such was prescribed in the law. As Simeon waited, Mary and Joseph were in preparation to bring their son to the Temple.
Simeon had long awaited for the restoration of Israel. He earnestly believed that the glorious destiny of the restoration of Israel, which God has promised for his people, was shortly to come to pass. He and his contemporaries expected the forerunner of this to be the Lord's Messiah. The Holy Spirit gave Simeon not just guidance and supernatural knowledge, but above all, the gift of prophecy. He knew the greatness of God and how the glory of the Lord would be revealed as told in Isaiah 40:5, ...all flesh will see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Surely it would shortly come to pass. For this Simeon had been living: The fulfillment of God's promise, not only to him, but for the world. This particular baby was to belong to the Lord in a unique sense. He would be taken to the Temple and "presented" to the Lord. Simeon was a witness of what was to be, The Lord's Messiah! The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
When it came to pass, Oh, the joy and elation he must have felt as he held that small babe in his arms! The Lord had kept his promise. What a depth of feeling in seeing the Lord's Prophesy fulfilled. He clutched the small infant --- the Light of the world --- no doubt, with intense delight. God knew that we would need a Savior. That is why he came. Now Simeon could depart in peace. He held the son of God in his arms. What exhilaration of joy it must have been!
Simeon's Moment by Ron DiCianni
"Lord, you are now letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation..."
Luke 2:29-30
God set the course for humanity's dignity and Simeon saw with his own eyes the Lord's Salvation. He held him in his arms. Now, it is up to us to hold this child in our hearts...
As I reviewed this story I recalled many spiritual insights given to me over the years. I was growing in the knowledge of Christ. There were those feelings of special times at church, and at school, of Christmas dramas we took part in. As we waited in the process, we felt a blessing in the many rehearsals as we had our hearts spiritually warmed. Surely, Simeon grew in his faith over the years, too, as he waited.
The Holy Spirit made our souls swell as the truth of the Savior's birth was embraced more and more fully. Thinking back now, gives me cause to thank God for the grace visited upon all of us during those years. Every Christmas season, as we began to sing carols, though unaware, our searching wrought spiritual insights to our hearts. I feel blessed even today, thinking back.
A revelation of the glory of the Lord brings us closer to spiritual fulfillment. Wisdom and grace from God is visited upon us, anew. Surely the fulfillment of God's promise to Simeon is a prophesy fulfilled to us, too.
Rev. Enid Shepard
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