“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” ~ Isaiah 9:6
The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he wouldn’t die before physically seeing the Lord’s Messiah. This righteous and devout man had been waiting many, many years to see firsthand the “consolation of Israel.” He’d spent much of his life going to the temple each and every day, with great anticipation, wondering if this would be the day that he had so desperately longed for.
After may years had passed, one day the Spirit moved him. Go to the temple, Simeon. I have something to show you.
As he was making his way there, so too were Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus who had been born just 8 days earlier. As Simeon waited, they appeared before him in the temple. At once, Simeon rushed to greet them with great joy, taking the child from his mother and cradling him in his arms. He immediately began praising God, who had kept His promise that he would live to see this day.
“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.”
Simeon had undoubtedly seen and held many infants throughout his lifetime. But this one was so incredibly different, so unlike any other child he had ever seen or cradled in his arms. “I have seen everything I need to see, Lord. You may now take your servant away, in peace.”
Isn’t it interesting that Simeon felt no need to see how the story of Jesus would later unfold? That he felt no need to see this young child grow into his Messianic ministry and witness all of the miracles yet to be performed? That he didn’t feel compelled to be around for the death on the cross that awaited this small child later on in life?
Simeon already knew how the story would unfold. As Mary and Joseph marveled at what he had said, Simeon said to Mary:
“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Why did Simeon direct these words to Mary?
Because the piercing of her soul would be the grief and sorrow she would experience as she would witness her son’s death on the cross 33 years later. Yes, Mary. He will die for you, too.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ this day, may we all see Jesus the way Simeon saw Jesus: Not as a word, not as doctrine or creed, but as Salvation. When he saw Salvation, He saw a Person.
That Person was Christ.
Former Blackout Artist 