Luke 2:25-32 (ESV)

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous 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 And he came in 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 salvation31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.

Ok, how many times have I read the Christmas story? And yet, as we were sitting down tonight reading it with our children, I got excited all over again. Simeon had a promise. He would not die until he had seen Isreal's Savior. What was so special about the day he met Mary and Joseph at the temple? Why this particular day? Not sure- the Bible doesn't say. But it does say that he went to the temple in the Spirit. He would have missed God if he had decided he didn't feel good; maybe he should stay home. He was an old man; maybe his arthritis was bothering him. Whatever his ailments, he didn't let anything stop him from getting to the temple. He had a promise he wanted to see fulfilled. 

As soon as Simeon saw Jesus, he knew who his promise was coming to pass. He took God in his arms and blessed him. I wonder what it would have been like to hold Jesus.... To look into His eyes and bless Him.... What a spectacular moment for Simeon- to know God had come to do as He said He would. Now Simeon's heart was at peace.

God prepared Himself as a sacrifice in the presence of all people. He is a light for revelation. Have questions that need illumination? I know where to find the answer! What an awesome God!!!

Salut!