Overlooked at Christmas – Simeon

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and 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 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” 33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:25-35

Simeon’s Traits:

• Just
• Devout
• He was energized by the Holy Spirit.
• He lived with a goal.

Simeon’s Proclamation:

• Proclaimed God’s Grand Scheme of Salvation
• Mary would personally experience much grief
• Jesus would be the determining factor whether people rise or fall

Lessons for us:

1. We also are awaiting Christ’s coming to the earth.

But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings. Mal. 4:2

So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Heb. 9:28 RSV

Simeon is an example how to wait.

2. Do the right thing and be sincere.

And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Deut. 10:12

3. Rely on the Holy Spirit.

…and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 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, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God… Luke 2:25-28

Three Aspects of the Holy Spirit’s working:

• The Holy Spirit was upon him (presence).
• The Holy Spirit revealed something to him (revelation).
• He moved in response to the Holy Spirit’s leading (direction).

4. Proclaim the Message of Salvation.

If you end up missing Heaven and facing eternal separation from God, it won’t be because of the secret sin you committed that you don’t want anybody to know about or any other of the sins you have done. It won’t be because you didn’t go to church or didn’t do enough good deeds. It won’t be because of what other people did to you.

It will be because you refused to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior! He already paid for the sins you have committed and all the stuff you should have done but didn’t. He took care of all that when He died for you on the cross and rose again! He offers salvation as a Free Gift to everyone who acknowledges Him and humbly asks for it.

The gift of salvation is available for all to receive. The decision is totally up to you. The price for your sins has been paid, the way to heaven for you has been made. Your eternal destiny depends on what you have done with Jesus.