Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

- Luke 2:25-32

Simeon, a devout and faithful man, had been waiting for the Messiah. The Holy Spirit led him to recognize Jesus as the Saviour. Simeon’s prophecy described Jesus as a light for the world, someone who would lift some people up and bring others down, revealing the true thoughts of their hearts. He also warned Mary about the deep sorrow she would face.

We’re encouraged to think about Simeon’s faith and how he actively waited for God’s promise to come true. God’s plans often don’t match what we expect. like sending a helpless baby instead of a mighty warrior as the Messiah. It’s a reminder that God works through the unexpected, using the humble and the weak to carry out His plans.

As we go through Advent, we’re reminded it’s a time of waiting. It’s a chance for us to stay open to how God might surprise us, instead of boxing Him into what we think He should do. Like Simeon, we’re invited to listen for the Holy Spirit’s nudges and to follow them, trusting that God knows what He’s doing.

We wait with hope, not based on what’s happening around us but on God’s love and faithfulness. We let go of our expectations, open our hearts, and let God work however He chooses. As we wait for Christmas and beyond, we’re reminded that Jesus came to bring light and hope to the whole world. Let’s keep our hearts and minds ready for whatever He has planned.