Read Luke 2:25-32NIV
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
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.”
As was the custom, after Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to present him to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice. But when they arrived they were greeted by a man who had waited a long time to see God’s promise of a Messiah.
The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the temple that day so that he would see God’s promise fulfilled. And moved by the Spirit, Simeon praised God and offered revelation of his own – that Jesus would be a light not only for Israel but also for the Gentiles. What a beautiful proclamation of the fullness of what Jesus came to do!
The Holy Spirit helped Simeon to truly see God at work and be able to praise Him for the wonder of what He had done. As we settle into this Christmas season, where do you feel the Holy Spirit at work to reveal who God is and what He is doing in your life?
