‘For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.’ (vv30–32) Luke 2:28–35
Forty days after Jesus’ birth, Mary presented herself with her Son for purification to fulfil Mosaic Law. Here Simeon took Jesus in his arms and prophesied the heart of the Christmas message for all time.
It is hard to wait for God’s moments that we’ve already perceived in the eyes of God’s Spirit, but not yet manifested on earth. Israel had lived in prophetic silence for four hundred years for the Messiah.
Simeon can’t contain his excitement. He announces that salvation, through Christ, is for everyone, both Jew and Gentile, confirming this is the Messiah.
The wonder of the Christmas message of God’s rescue is that it is available now to anyone who wants to take up God’s promise. Only those who freely choose to exclude themselves remain outside its provisions.
However, blessing comes with consequences. In accepting God’s gift of salvation, we are invited not simply to give thanks and move on but to embrace the way of life that Jesus modelled through His later ministry.
His own mother heard from Simeon’s lips that, whilst her child was the Saviour of the world, this could only come at the cost of His life and the consequential pain of watching her Son be crucified (vv34–35). The walk of faith always involves much waiting, challenging choices and painful experiences, but these ensure the availability of the Christmas message of hope and welcome to all.
SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Psa. 148; Isa. 61:10–62:3; Acts 7:51–60; Gal. 4:4–11.
AN ACTION TO TAKE: Are there promises that you are holding onto by faith? Renew your confidence in waiting and praying for their realisation.
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, thank You for rescuing me. Help me to wait patiently, choose wisely and live courageously. Amen.’
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