Simeon took him [Jesus] in his arms and praised God, saying: “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.” Luke 2:28-32
Dear Lord Jesus, we’re barely finished celebrating your birth and I’ve already seen the first naked Christmas tree on the curb. What’s the rush? It seems like we’re always in a hurry for the next thing. Traffic never moves fast enough, waiters don’t bring our food soon enough, and the mail isn’t delivered quick enough. I’m no exception to this harried way of doing life.
This is one of the reasons I’m drawn to Simeon’s story—a man who lived at a different pace than I naturally choose. We don’t know much about this “righteous and devout” man; but according to Luke, we know he was “waiting for the consolation of Israel”—that is, longing for the arrival of the Messiah; anticipating the fulfillment of promises God alone can keep; hoping to see you, Jesus, though he didn’t know your name.
Eight days after your birth, Simeon took you into his arms… what a holy paradox: Simeon’s arms held the One whose arms created and sustain all things—the arms that are presently ruling the world with grace and truth, and making all things new. Oh, the wonders of your incarnation…
Whether or not Simeon expected to die soon, the peace that resulted from that embrace changed everything. Jesus, it’s only because you embrace us in the gospel that I have the same peace Simeon experienced, for you are God’s promised salvation for Israel, Gentiles, and for me. In you I’ve found the “consolation” nothing and no one else can give. You are my forgiveness and righteousness, my center and sanity, my wholeness and hope, my holiness and happiness.
As we prepare to begin a new year, I want the peace of your grace to help me live by the pace of your peace in this next season. Slow me down, Jesus. Settle and focus my wandering heart. If I’m going to be in a hurry about one thing this year, may it be to linger longer in your presence—to be still and know that you are God. Everything else will take care of itself. So very Amen I pray, in your glorious and grace-full name.
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