As we reflect on the birth of Christ in this season, we can learn from the responses of those people who witnessed baby Jesus. They demonstrated important principles of worship that we should carry on today. One man who provided a great example for us was a holy and devout follower of God named Simeon. According to the second chapter of Luke, Simeon beheld Jesus when Mary and Joseph took the baby to the temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Simeon was waiting in the temple courts when Mary and Joseph came with Jesus. Then, Simeon “took the child in his arms and praised God” (Luke 2:28, NLT).
Simeon shows us several important keys. First of all, he was highly devoted to the Lord, and he listened for the voice of the Spirit. When he received a specific promise, he firmly held on to it and believed it with all his heart. Then he simply waited for its fulfillment. In this, Simeon demonstrates two important qualities we all need: faith and patience. We have hundreds of promises in God’s Word, assuring our health, safety, provision, and success. We must take these promises and store them deep within our hearts with confident faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1, NKJV). The Lord will be true to His word; we must confidently wait with patience for its fulfillment.
Simeon’s praise also demonstrates how we should respond when we behold the Lord. Though Jesus was only a baby, Simeon admired the child with holy reverence and praised God. We should do the same today by approaching the Lord with reverence and offering Him the high praises He deserves.
Simeon’s actions reveal that he cherished Jesus. He treasured the Lord enough that he was waiting to see Him. Then, when he finally had the opportunity to behold Him, he took Him in his arms and blessed the Lord. Still today, Jesus is our treasure, and we should cherish Him deeply. Let’s be sure to take the time to behold Jesus and bless Him today.
Reflections 