Luke 2:25-26
"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 upon him. It had
been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen
the Lord’s Christ."
NIV
During the long, bitterly cold days of our northern
winters my ponies Frank and Mama wait and hope for a little consolation each
day. They receive their regular rations of hay and oats morning and evening but
each day at noon they patiently stand and wait by the fence watching for me to
leave for work, hoping for a special treat. Carrots or apples are their
favourites and I try not to disappoint them.
Waiting amidst hard times is always difficult, so I
have often wondered whenever I read this passage about Simeon, what the waiting
was like for him. The Holy Spirit had revealed a marvellous truth to him. Simeon
knew that he was going to live to see the Saviour, but he didn’t know when this
would happen and we don’t know when this truth was revealed to him. Was it as a
youth, during mid life or as a senior? In fact we don’t even know how old Simeon
was although he is always portrayed as elderly.
We also don’t know if Simeon told others of his
revelation by the Holy Spirit or if he had chosen to or was commanded to keep it
quiet. All we really know is that he had to wait in hope for the consolation of
Israel. And in due time his waiting in hope was fulfilled as God had promised.
Perhaps this Christmas season you too, much like
Simeon, are waiting in hope. You don’t know how long you may have to wait for
the answers which you believe God has promised to you, and some days are harder
than others because of this uncertainty. Yet there is one thing which we can
always be certain of: the consolation of Israel; Emmanuel, God with us, who has
aligned himself with humanity that humanity might always find hope and
consolation for the asking during the long periods of waiting amidst the winters
of our lives.
Prayer: Father God thank you for the consolation of
your hope amidst our times of waiting. Bless us with eyes to see the revelation
of Emmanuel, God with us, that the cares and uncertainties of our waiting hearts
may be dismissed by your peace. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, BC
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