Simeon keeps popping up in sermons, devotional, and daily verses. It must be time to reflect on Simeon's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and the significance for all who call him Savior and Lord.
Jesus would have been 40 days old. It was time for Mary's purification at the temple and for Jesus to be presented. The magi from the east had not yet arrived with gold, so Joseph and Mary would be offering the acceptable sacrifices of the poor.
When they arrived at the temple, their minds were likely focused on what needed to be done. Simeon (and Anna... for another day) was unexpected. That they arrived at the same time as Simeon was God's timing. They named the baby Yeshua (Jesus) which is of Hebrew origin meaning "salvation." Simeon recognized that this was indeed the long promised Messiah.
"Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”" -Luke 2:28-32
Salvation for all people! The "all people" included the gentiles, too. Simeon did not just see a baby... he saw the Hope of the World cradled in Mary's arms. Simeon's joy is captured in his blessing of the baby.
After the shepherds, Joseph and Mary were probably growing accustomed to the unusual happenings that came with being chosen to raise God's son. Imagine the dinner conversation for them that night after encountering Simeon (and Anna) at the temple.
When we look at our nativity displays, do we see what Simeon saw?
Today, I am grateful for Simeon's sight.
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