Christmas is far more than the birth of a baby. It is more than a holiday, or a celebration or a season of goodwill. It is the beginning, the beginning of the end, actually. Christmas is the final act in the redemptive story that began long ago, in eternity past. The first stop on our journey to Christmas was a beautiful garden. Next, we stopped in Nazareth and the fields outside Bethlehem, and then we paused at the manger. This week our journey takes us to the temple in Jerusalem as the truth about this baby begins to be revealed.
Joseph and Mary were devout Jews, and so they followed all the commands in the Law, including the one which required firstborn males to be redeemed with an offering. So, forty days after Jesus’ birth, they made the trip to Jerusalem to make the required offerings (Luke 2:22-24). These offerings served as a symbol and reminder that the child was given by God and so belonged to Him. (Isaiah 9:6)
Enter Simeon
There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple (Luke 2:25-27a).
Simeon’s name is derived from a Hebrew word that means “to hear”. Notice what Luke says about Simeon. He was righteous, that is, he was faithful to the Covenant and and Godly. He was devout, that is committed to the precepts God established. He looked forward to Israel’s consolation. That is a poetic way to say he longed for the promised Messiah. And the Holy Spirit was on him. He benefited from the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Already, we are confronted with a man most noted for his sincere, lifelong devotion to God. Is that the single defining character trait in my life? Am I committed to living out God’s precepts? Am I led by the Holy Spirit? Am I looking for the return of Christ and final step in my redemption? What about you?
A Promise Kept
Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised. For my eyes have seen your salvation (Luke 2:29–30).
Imagine it. As soon as Simeon sees the baby, he knows. He knows. Then he takes the child in his arms … The fulfillment of every promise is right there. Simeon is holding Him, looking in His face. He utters this beautiful song, not unlike Zechariah’s and Mary’s song in Luke 1. This child IS the SAVIOR of the world. God has kept His promises to Simeon, personally, and to all of humanity by coming Himself to save us.
How can we not be overwhelmed by this, by the promises kept? The Deliverer has come! I have not seen Him with my eyes, but He lives in my heart! This light of the Gentiles and the glory of His people, Israel!
Actually, Simeon explains this as he hands the baby back and blesses the young parents. Not everyone will embrace this Messiah. In fact, many will flat out reject Him. But even that is a promise kept.
(Note: Anna, a devout woman who had worshipped and served in the Temple her whole adult life was also there that day. She made a very similar pronouncement to Simeon’s, although her words are not recorded. Luke 2:36-38)
The Temple is a place to know God, to be known by Him. To receive His Word, His promises, and to see them fulfilled. However, we need to ensure we are spiritually in a condition to hear from God. Take advantage of this time at the Temple to consider the promises of God, both to you and to the world and praise Him for the Savior. You might even feel like singing!
Next week our final stop at the palace.
This song by Michael Card captures this moment.