...other meditations

long-expected Jesus

who are you expecting this christmas? this question could produce a wide array of answers. a child may answer by grinning from ear to ear and shouting the name ‘santa claus'. an adult may answer stating the name of a loved one visiting from out of town. whatever the answer, it doesn't quite compare to what simeon was expecting over 2,000 years ago.

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 upon him. it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. when the parents (mary and joseph) brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what the custom of the law required, simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying:  

"sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. for my eyes have seen Your Salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a Light for revelation to the gentiles and for glory to Your people israel." luke 2:25 -32

this elderly man, simeon, waited many, many years for the expected arrival of Jesus Christ. it was revealed to him years earlier that the Messiah would come before his death. imagine the excitement and anticipation. imagine his joy. imagine the patience he must have had. and when his eyes could finally look upon this little child, he not only saw the Messiah but the Salvation of God through Him.

simeon's time of waiting should be an example to all of us. during those years he lived a life of fine character and good standing. he also remained fully devoted to God through his worship. even though he waited a long time for this wonderful miracle, he continued praising and honoring God in the meantime. while we await our expected Jesus, can we be as devoted as simeon was?

certainly this first christmas happened a long time ago. and, yes, our Saviour has already come to bring goodness and light into the world. so, is our time of expecting over? on the contrary, every christmas can bring a new hope, a new love, a new joy and a new peace in Christ Jesus. remembering Jesus and what He has done for us is a good start. as you renew your relationship with Jesus this christmas season, you'll find that He is exactly what you've been waiting for.

come Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee.
israel's Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art,
Long-desired of every nation, Joy of every waiting heart.
(author: charles wesley 1744)

hope, love, joy and peace to you,

tamara