2:25-32 (NIV)

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss[a] your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

Reflection Questions

  1. What promises from God are you waiting on, and how can you actively prepare your heart to receive them?
  2. How does Simeon’s trust in God’s timing inspire you to wait with hope in your own life?
  3. What are some ways you can recognize God's presence and work in your life, just as Simeon recognized the Savior?

Devotion

Simeon had spent his life waiting for one specific promise from God: to see the Messiah with his own eyes before he died. Living a righteous and devout life, filled with the Holy Spirit, he waited patiently, knowing that God would fulfill His word. When the day finally came, Simeon’s heart must have overflowed with joy as he took the infant Jesus in his arms, recognizing the fulfillment of God’s promise. His declaration, "For my eyes have seen your salvation," revealed not only his deep faith but also his gratitude for witnessing God's plan unfold.

Simeon’s waiting wasn’t a passive act; it was a hopeful, expectant waiting. Every day, he trusted that God’s promise would come true, even though he didn’t know when or how. When the moment arrived, Simeon didn’t hesitate—he immediately recognized Jesus as the Savior of the world and gave thanks to God for the salvation that had come, not only for Israel but for all people. His faith had been rewarded in the most beautiful way, and his response was pure praise.

During this Advent season, we are reminded that waiting on God is not passive but active. Like Simeon, we are called to wait with hope, trusting that God's promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. This is a time for us to reflect on the ways God has been faithful in our lives and to prepare our hearts to receive Him anew, just as Simeon received Jesus with joy.