Simeon’s Praise For God’s Salvation

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 2:29-32

Old Simeon wasn’t some Jewish senior citizen sitting around with waning hopes that the Messiah would come in his lifetime. He was waiting expectantly! His attitude was informed by Scriptures. He understood what this tiny baby Mary and Joseph brought to the Temple meant to all the nations. This baby was the Savior of the world.

Today, people are still making the mistake of seeing only the manger and missing the message. They remember the remarkable baby Jesus, but they overlook God’s very presence among us. Where others saw a little child, Simeon saw “a light to reveal God to the nations.” He was ready to see God! Where others may view the Christmas season as a time to celebrate their gifts, we see it as a time to worship the newborn King of kings.

• Dear Lord, I praise you for your salvation, which you have prepared for all people . . .