Luke 2: 25 – 35

25. And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26. 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. 27. So he came by 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, 28. he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

29. “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30. For my eyes have seen Your salvation
31. Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32. A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”

33. And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35. (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Simeon was the last of a few faithful people who eagerly awaited to see the promised Messiah. Led by the Holy Spirit, he sought out Jesus’ parents Mary and Joseph as they came to present themselves in the synagogue. A righteous and devout man, who lived by the promise that he will not see death until he saw the salvation of the Lord with his own eyes. Here was Simeon, who lived among evil men, probably accosted for his faith, witnessed Israel disintegrating into lawlessness. His only hope was in the salvation of God, which He promised. He waited with anticipation the redemption that was coming.

Simeon knew the length of days of men on earth. He knew for certain that in his lifetime, he would see God’s salvation. He lived each day awaiting patiently for the arm of God to bring about His salvation. The Lord has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God (Isaiah 52: 10). Even though he was surrounded by evil, oppression by the Romans and to some extent the religious elite, he never gave up. God chose him and kept him alive so he could witness first hand the promise coming to fulfillment. What a blessed life, Simeon had!

Just like Simeon, we who are called by God to be the watchmen, to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth, also eagerly await His glorious return. When our eyes are fixated on Heaven and our union with our Redeemer, then we too, who are equipped to interpret the signs of the times, will live out each day of our lives expecting the coming fulfillment of His promise. Whether we live or die, our hearts long to behold Him. Time and time again, He has kept His promises. The skies may disappear, the earth may fall away, but His promises will never fail.

Dear Saint of God, as we live our lives in anticipation of His glorious return, let us continue to hold onto His faithful promises. Not one will be broken. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine upon them (Isaiah 9: 2). During Jesus’ first Advent, the heavens echoed of His birth but the world did not see since He came as a meek and lowly servant. However, at Jesus’ second Advent, the whole earth will see as the King of kings and the Lord of lords descends with the herald of angels and all creation. Even though, we may be engulfed with darkness, mocked for our faith and anticipation of His return, let us remain faithful and steadfast as Simeon, eagerly awaiting the hand of God to rescue us.

Isaiah 60: 1-3

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.