“For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” (Lk. 2:31-32).
We are nearly finished Luke’s telling of the Christmas story but we still have one more caroler named Simeon and a prophetess named Anna who had been anxiously awaiting this day of the consolation of Israel and the redemption of Jerusalem.
Simeon is described as follows—“this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him” (2:26). The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would see the Lord’s Christ before he died. When he saw Mary and Joseph bring Jesus into the Temple to carry out the custom of the Law, he knew that God’s promise had been fulfilled. He takes Jesus into his arms and pours for praise unto the Lord.
He glorifies God for providing salvation for all the peoples. The redemption made available in the sending of His Son is not for a select few, not even for the Jews alone, but for all peoples. People who have lived in the darkness of sin will enjoy “light of revelation.” The birth of Christ as a member of the Jewish people will be to their glory as the nations understand what wonderful privileges God has granted to Israel over the centuries.
Simeon is joined on stage by Anna the prophetess who was now 84. She had been widowed after only seven years of marriage and had devoted the remainder of her life to serving in the temple with fastings and prayers. It is noteworthy that Luke ends his Christmas story with “seemingly insignificant” people. Aren’t we glad that Christ came for all mankind? This Christmas pray for the nations to come to Him. Pray for those who serve as missionaries. Tell your neighbor that Jesus came for him/her.
Prayer: Thank you for coming as a light to the nations. Help me to have the courage to tell others of the Great Light. Amen