“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 
Luke 2:29-32

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What did Mary, a teenager, feel when an old man, named Simeon, approached her in the temple courts in Jerusalem? Perhaps she held the infant Jesus close and stepped slightly behind her husband, Joseph. On the other hand, maybe she drew close to Simeon because of the joy he displayed when he saw her infant. 

Simeon had been promised by God that before he passed away, he would see the Messiah. That day, the Holy Spirit had directed him to go to the temple courts. Imagine his anticipation when the moment came. How he must have smiled when he saw the holy family. The warmth of his open arms must have charmed Mary, so perhaps she invited him to hold the infant Jesus in his arms. 

Simeon began to praise God (Luke 2:25-28). Simeon’s words and emotions must have confirmed some things in Mary’s heart: that the angel Gabriel had really spoken the truth to her and that she had made the right decision to accept God’s will, although a virgin, to bear a child.

His words (today’s scripture) are known as the Canticle (song) of Simeon, used in the evening prayers of many denominations for centuries.  Sometimes they are set to music in a chant and classical compositions, reminding us to believe that God’s promise will be fulfilled.

Simeon’s steadfast faith in our Lord’s promise led to a sense of completion and joy. His ancestors, such as Abraham and Sarah, waited years before the birth of their promised son, Isaac, in their old age (Genesis 12:7). There are many examples of people with steadfast faith who waited a long time for God’s promises. 

Imagine having the faith of Simeon, anticipating the second coming of Christ when he rules the new earth. When your heart’s desire will be complete, you will be filled with joy and praise. It will be well worth the wait for the Lord’s final promise to be fulfilled (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Next Steps

As you read the Bible, look for God’s promises. Write those that you can relate to in a journal. Look for day-to-day opportunities to share these promises. These promises will no doubt help you to get you through your day.