Patiently Waiting

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him . . .

 And coming in that instant she [Anna] gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:25 and 38, NKJV)

Christmas is a season of longing, hope, and expectation. For some, it is only a time of parties and gift-giving. The true miracle of the season, however, goes back to a distant time and place when one baby changed everything.

Four hundred years had passed since the prophet Malachi wrote his last words. And then there was silence. No prophet spoke, and many in Israel forgot what had been written earlier. Since their return from Babylon, the Israelites no longer worshiped idols, but many were spiritually empty. The rituals of Temple worship continued, but the people did not honor God or respond to His Word as they should. Politically the land was ruled by Rome.

Into this world, a baby—a miracle child—was born. Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies were wrapped in that one tiny form. Sadly, few recognized Him and few cared. But others had waited, hoped, and lived for this moment. Let me tell you about two who never lost hope, never stopped believing.

The Bible tells us little about Simeon. We do know this was a righteous man waiting in faithful expectation for the promised Deliverer. God gave Simeon a promise “that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2:26). How many days, months, or years did Simeon wake with the thought, “Is this the day?” As he walked the streets of Jerusalem, did his eyes search each face for some sign of recognition?

One day the Spirit impressed Simeon to go to the Temple. There he watched as Mary and Joseph enter with baby Jesus. He knew! This was the day; this was the One. As Simeon took the infant into his arms and held the long-awaited miracle, he spoke prophetic words over the child and His mother. Mary and Joseph marveled at it all.

Luke tells more of Anna’s story than he does of Simeon’s. Now eighty-four years old, she became a widow just seven years after her marriage. The Bible calls her a prophetess and says she spent her time in the Temple “with fastings and prayers night and day.” It may not have been the life others would desire, but Anna chose a life of complete dedication and purpose.

When Anna saw the baby Jesus, she immediately knew who He was and “spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). Anna gave witness that the long-awaited Redeemer had come.

Simeon and Anna waited with hope and patience for the Messiah to come. Today faithful believers also wait in hope and anticipation of His coming. Like Simeon and Anna, we must remind ourselves daily that this could be that long-anticipated day when we rise to meet Him. Are you ready?

“Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:13, ESV)