Christmas and Waiting
After he was born, Jesus was presented in the temple according to Jewish custom. There Simeon got to meet him, and Simeon saw Jesus for who he really was: the long-awaited Messiah. He burst out in song, which starts by saying he is happy enough to die! Jesus was God’s promised king - who would bring salvation not just to Israel but to all nations. Through his life, death and resurrection Jesus would bring salvation to all who would believe, to the ends of the earth. Glory to God, indeed! We see the realities of Jesus’ ministry in Simeon’s blessing - he will cause the rising and falling of many. The waiting wasn't quite over! One day he will return - and complete the task of salvation. Until then, we wait, following in the footsteps of Simeon and Anna.
