Our Hope
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