Simeon

 

Luke 2:25

²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

 

Simeon was an old guy. He was in Jerusalem and was waiting for the Messiah.  He had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen with his own eyes the Christ.  He was old, and tired and ready to die and could not till he saw Jesus.  He was looking out for Jesus.  When I am waiting for someone to come, I keep peeking out the window.  Simeon kept peeking in the temple. 

 

 Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord, a custom of the day.  And here came old Simeon, looking for the Christ.  Simeon was not shy!  He took Jesus in his arms and praised God.  He was so excited he said a poem blessing over Jesus.  He was inspired!  He also had hard words for Mary about what Jesus would become.  Simeon had the long view in mind.  He did not just see a cute, squirming baby.  He saw the Savior of the world.  He saw Emmanuel. So this advent when we see pictures of baby Jesus, see the long view. God in man’s body.  God with us! Emmanuel!