"Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 'Master, now You are dismissing Your servant in peace, according to Your Word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel.'" Luke 2:25-32
Getting the Savior
Simeon was a good and prayerful man who hoped for the coming of the Messiah. many people like Simeon had that hope, but he had been promised by God that he would not die until he had actually seen the Messiah.
Imagine how he must have felt that day Mary and Joseph brought their baby into the Temple to make the traditional offering to God. With eyes of faith, Simeon saw that the baby Jesus was the Holy One of Israel who would redeem his people.
Simeon, traditionally shown as an elderly man, was one of the first people to recognize Jesus without the intervention of an angel. Blessed by the Holy Spirit, Simeon believed without a chorus of singing angels, a star int eh heavens or an angel in a dream. Instead, through a life of prayer, he was ready to encounter the Lord, and when he did, he felt fulfilled.
May the Holy Spirit guide our prayer this Advent so that we can see for ourselves the presence of Christ in our midst.
Almighty God, as we pray in joyful hope this Advent, help us to be like Simeon, ready to greet the Savior when He comes. Amen
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