There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah.

Luke 2:25-26

The Christmas narrative does not end with the birth of Jesus Christ, but rather goes on to tell us of Mary and Joseph taking Jesus to the temple on the eighth day of His life, as required by Jewish law. It was there that they met Simeon. It would serve us well to give attention to this man, as we can learn some invaluable lessons from his role in the continuing story of Christmas.

The passage quoted above gives us a very brief portrait of Simeon. He was righteous, devout, and faithful. He was the kind of person with whom the Holy Spirit could freely communicate, because Simeon had a heart for God. And God did indeed communicate with this man!

This is something of grave importance for Christians in this modern, post-Christian era. I have heard quite a few professing believers confess that they had never heard God speak. Well, if they are referring to hearing an audible voice from heaven, then they are most likely correct in their assessment. But God does speak. He speaks through the Bible. He speaks through circumstances of life. He speaks through the sound exposition of a passage of Scripture by a gifted teacher or preacher. He speaks through other believers, and on occasion, through non-believers. He speaks – but are we listening.

Simeon was a man who was listening. And out of his righteousness and devotion, God spoke. And He revealed to Simeon a most wonderful message: Simeon would not die before he had seen the Messiah. Wow! He would actually witness the long-awaited Messiah, in the flesh. Messiah would come in his lifetime.

How long had Simeon waited since receiving this wonderful promise? No one knows. Perhaps days, or weeks, or months, or years, or even decades. There is no way of knowing. But he remained steadfast in his dedication to the Lord. And now, the day had finally arrived. As he enters the temple – once again probably hoping that today would be the day – the Holy Spirit revealed to him that this baby boy, being held lovingly in the arms of His mother, was the One for whom he had waited. His faith had now become sight. His wait was over. Messiah had come!

For the believer in this present day, we, as Simeon, should be steadfast in our devotion to the Lord. We also have received a promise from the God: Jesus is coming again. As did Simeon, we should be looking for this amazing event every day. We should be prepared for His coming, living lives of righteousness, with total commitment to Him in all things.

Jesus admonished HIs followers to be alert, sober-minded, and constantly looking to the heavens for His appearing. Simeon had received the message that he would see the Messiah before he died, and it caused him to constantly watch and wait for His arrival. We have been told that Jesus is coming again, and it should cause us to constantly watch and wait for His arrival.

Is your outlook on life based on your up-look in life? Does your eager anticipation of His return compel you to live a life of righteousness and devotion to the Lord, believing that today could be the day of His return? As we enter into a new year, let’s make it the year that we commit ourselves to the belief that each day could be the day, and live our lives accordingly.

Simeon is a great example for each of us to follow. Let’s not allow ourselves to get so caught up in this life, and the things of this world, that we forget about the promise of His coming. Let’s spend our time in this life looking for, and forward to, the next.

Blessings!