Eager Anticipation

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. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. (Luke 2:25-26 ESV). Can I confess that I love Christmas? It is a time when our family gathers and we eat, fellowship, and exchange gifts. I am told that I am very difficult to buy something for. Perhaps that’s simply because I really don’t have a list of things that I want or need. I have been blessed to be able to get those things through the year and really don’t find myself lacking in any area. Of course, I don’t have everything. But, I have everything I want. So, my anticipation and joy in Christmas is watching the kids open their gifts. I love the way they tear into their gifts. You can always tell the level of excitement when they think it’s a toy or new electronic instead of clothes. The clothes are accepted graciously, but they can’t wait until they get to another gift that will contain something a little more exciting. One of the sad things about becoming an adult is losing your sense of delight in holidays and celebrations. I guess I’m such a kid at heart, I’ve never lost that excitement. That’s the backdrop of the emotion in our reading today. Simeon lived with an eager anticipation as he looked for the “consolation of Israel.” While he may not have been as wild as a twelve-year-old on at Christmas, we can understand Simeon’s longing by listening to his words upon seeing Jesus, “my eyes have seen your salvation . . . a light for revelation” (vv. 30, 32). Plus, having seen Jesus, Simeon felt that he could die in peace. What we look forward to in the future will define our lives today. Children bounce off the walls just thinking about Christmas morning. Simeon lived a life of righteousness and worship. What about us? Do we look into the future and see Christ’s return with the same clarity, excitement, and hope as Simeon did? Do we allow this vision of the future to shape our lives today? Might I suggest that you spend some time today just thinking what that glorious day will mean in your life? Think of the people you will see. Think of the freedom that will finally be yours. Think of the ultimate gift of an eternal life free from pain and death. Think of the peace that you will possess. Think of all the “nevers” you will have: never fearing illness or death; never fearing losing your loved ones; never fearing failure or rejection; never fearing loneliness and despair… the list is truly endless just like the life we shall possess. Think on those things. They are the lovely things of life!