On this 5th day of Christmas, our Christmas story continues with Mary and Joseph taking the infant Jesus to the temple for his dedication. I spent some time this morning meditating upon the great hope of Simeon. He is a hero in many ways, and a great model for us.
Simeon always hoped in God’s promise that he would see the Messiah. Surely he had days when tempted to lose this hope, tempted to fall into despair and allow his heart and mind to desire other things than this vision. But he prevailed – and the God who is always faithful allowed him to see the Savior enter the temple with his parents. And, as a prevailing witness to this moment, we have this beautiful hymn to renew our own hope, our own capacity to keep our hearts firmly rooted in God’s promises to us.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:“Lord, now let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled:
my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you prepared in the sight of every people,
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:25-32)
My friends, let the hope of Christ continue to fill your hearts. Let the light of Christ cast out the darkness of doubt and fear. Ask Simeon to intercede for us and all of God’s people that we may remain faithful to the promises of God, that we may hope in the Lord at all times!
+pde
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