Anticipating His Advent #21

As we continue to look at Luke's record of the incarnation of Christ, the place of special revelation from God is brought to the forefront.  We have seen appearances of angels telling Zechariah, Mary and the shepherds what God is doing. God had also promised Simeon by the Holy Spirit that He would see the Christ. He waited for years, faithfully serving God, anticipating His coming, and then one day it happened. When it did, he said:

29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
    according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31     that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and for glory to your people Israel.”

Just like with the shepherds, Simeon heard, then believed, and finally saw. The result once again is praise and proclamation of the Good News of salvation - that not only did He see the Messiah, the Messiah had come to Israel, and it did not stop there: this Savior was a light and salvation for all nations, all peoples. Simeon was able to say something most are not: "Lord, I'm satisfied; I'm ready to go. You told me; You showed me. Whenever you're ready you can take me home.  Can you say that today?