Simeon’s Long Wait

The Story

In Jerusalem there lived an old man named Simeon. The Bible describes him as “just and devout,” a man waiting for “the consolation of Israel,” the day God would comfort His people by sending the Messiah.

And Simeon had received a personal promise. The Holy Spirit had told him he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

We don’t know how many years he waited. But one day the Spirit led him into the temple.

That same day, a young couple from Nazareth brought their baby to the temple to present Him to the Lord, as the law required. They were poor. Their offering was two small birds.

Simeon saw them. He took the baby into his arms and blessed God.

“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” This child, he said, is a light to the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel.

Mary and Joseph marveled at what he said. Then Simeon blessed them and spoke a hard word to Mary: this child would cause many to fall and rise, and a sword would pierce her own soul too.

Reflection