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[a] 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.”
Simeon was not only a righteous and devout man, but patient and a willing man. He waited and waited. Simeon continued to trust in God and his promises to him. “Moved by the Holy Spirit, he went into the temple courts.” In church, I have always heard, when God calls you, you go, you move and you follow God! I always imagined God with a megaphone from heaven when God calls you. I am sure for some people he uses a megaphone, but for Simeon, I imagine a soft tug on his heart and a whisper, “Go...it is time.” And Simeon obeys. He goes out to the temple courts and sees Jesus. The joy is overwhelming. Not only has God’s promise been revealed but hope for all people has set foot on this earth. I hope that when we feel moved by the Holy Spirit, we can all experience a portion of joy that Simeon experienced that day.
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is Christmas cookies. I love baking and it just wouldn’t feel the same without a bunch of Christmas cookie tins full of treats in the house. I also love the fact that most recipes make enough cookies that I can give extra tins full of goodies to others. It’s a great way to spread some love during the holidays.
