My name is Simeon just one of the many minor characters in the bible that are easily overlooked. However, I was there during the first Christmas week not at his birth, but a few days later when Jesus was brought to the Temple to be presented to God.
God had promised me that I would not see death before the promised Messiah would come. One day I felt the Spirit prompt me to go to the Temple where I encountered Jesus in the arms of Mary while Joseph watchfully looked on. God blessed me with being able to hold Jesus in my arms when Jesus was only days old in his earthly life. Imagine that, me an elderly man holding the creator of the universe in my arms. It still boggles my mind to think about it.
When I held Jesus in my arms, I felt led by the Spirit to proclaim:
“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.”
Awesome promises from God about the salvation Jesus would bring for all people, and yet, there was also a difficult message to share with the mother of a newborn baby. God prompted me to tell her:
“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
As you know, Mary’s own soul was pierced years later as she watched Jesus be crucified and die an excruciating death so we could be forgiven by God.
The question is whether people will receive Jesus as their Savior just as I received him.
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
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