25Now 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. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27Moved 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, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” 33The 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, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
There is a movie called “The Bucket List”. In it a corporate billionaire and working-class mechanic have nothing in common except for their terminal illnesses. While sharing a hospital room together, they decide to leave and do all the things they have ever wanted to do before they die. In the process, with a newness of adventure, they find strength, become unlikely friends, and ultimately find some joy in life.
Last year Judi and I checked off one thing off our bucket list. We took a trip to the beautiful Grand Canyon. This year Judi wanted a reunion with her five siblings and families all together. That happened in Michigan this summer. Of course not all the adult offspring could attend, but it was a big celebration.
We know we will never accomplish some of the dreams we have because of money, health, as well as some things that were once interesting are no longer. Other things become more important.
Simeon had a big dream. Before he died God promised He would see the Messiah, the one promised thousands of years ago to the Hebrew people who would come to redeem them and be their savior. How overjoyed he was when the Holy Spirit came upon him with the knowledge this baby was the Messiah.
Simeon and Anna are as much a part of the Christmas story as any of the others, but are seldom given as much emphasis. In all our programs portrayed we see shepherds, innkeepers, Oriental kings from the East and of course Mary, Joseph, and the baby in a manger. There is also something we can learn from our senior saints.
Often New Years is illustrated by an old man walking away while a baby awaits ready to come on the scene. This week as we wind down our Christmas celebration, I want to look at Simeon's song in the temple as the old system is fulfilled with the coming of Jesus who was dedicated unto the Lord in an official way.
Application: Do you wonder a bit about what you would like to see or do before you die? As we are approaching a new year this is the time many make resolutions of things we might want to accomplish or things we want to change about ourselves or even dreams we want to fulfill.
Dale
