Simeon held God the Son!

© 2015 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

Simeon is a name seldom mentioned during the annual festivities celebrating Christ’s birth. We often hear of Santa Claus, but who is Simeon?

Jesus, the long expected Messiah of Israel, had recently been born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger. The angels had already announced His birth to the shepherds who quickly went and worshiped Him in that place. The wise men from the east were, perhaps, already traveling the desert to worship Him, but would not arrive in Jerusalem until approximately 2 years later, after Jesus was living in a house.

Forty days had passed since Christ’s birth. The time had come for Joseph and Mary to present a burnt offering and a sin offering at the temple, according to the law’s requirements (Leviticus 12:1-8). It is here that we find Simeon, a man that loves God and eagerly awaits the promised Messiah. God describes Simeon as a just and devout man.

“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2: 25-26).

The Holy Spirit of God directed Simeon to go to the temple at the exact time that Joseph and Mary arrived, with the baby Jesus, to present their offerings (Luke 2:27). When Simeon saw this Holy Child, he was overjoyed.

“Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel” (Luke 2:28-32).

Then Simeon spoke directly to Mary, the mother of Jesus, concerning Christ’s mission. Mary would suffer as she watched the religious leaders reject Jesus. Ultimately, a sword of deep sorrow would pierce her soul as she watched His agonizing sacrificial death to save His people from their sins.

“(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,)…” (Luke 2:35).

Dear reader: Do you, as Simeon, yearn after God the Son, Jesus, the only Savior, to save you from your sins?

 

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