25 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. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 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, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31  which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

  

The last letter in thanks is S. I want to look at Simeon’s praise of thanks in the temple when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus for dedication.

           

Thanksgiving is for our salvation. It is fitting that as we prepare for Thanksgiving we are also pointing to Christmas. Here Simeon is thanking the Lord for Christmas. He actually does so by praising God for sending his Messiah Jesus Christ. In God’s promise,  made to this old man of God, see the hope of redemption, the forgiveness of sins, and the relationship we can have with God almighty in a personal way.

           

After Simeon sees the child, he also expresses his joy by saying, “I now can die content.” He is the Light. He is the Savior given to the world. Simeon is allowed to see Him with his own eyes and hold Him in his own hands.

 

When you hear testimonies of God’s goodness from other people, it also gives us a thankful heart and causes us to think of our own stories of His work in our lives.  

 

The greatest joy is knowing Jesus Christ as your savior. Do you know Him? That decision is one that should fill you with thankfulness for the rest of your days and even beyond. For that is the relationship that lasts forever and lets our thanksgiving be eternal.

 

 Dale