Christmas Characters: Simeon

A musical composition often ends with a Coda. It’s the final section of music that reinforces the main themes and brings the piece to an end. The story of the birth of Christ doesn’t end in the stable. Certainly, Jesus’ birth is the main theme of the story, but there also is a Coda.

Eight days after Jesus’ birth the family traveled 6 miles to the Temple in Jerusalem. They went there in obedience to God’s command, “On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised” (Leviticus 12:3). They had no idea that God had arranged two “divine appointments” – the first with Simeon, then with Anna. We’ll focus on Simeon in this post and Anna in the next.

Simeon was an old man who lived in Jerusalem. Luke 2:25-26 describes him as “righteous and devout” who was waiting for the Messiah. Simeon enjoyed a close relationship with the Holy Spirit who had promised that he would see the Messiah.

As Joseph, Mary and Jesus arrived at the Temple, the Spirit moved Simeon into action. As he spoke to the family, Simeon did two things – he praised God and offered a prophecy. Simeon praised God that, as promised, he had seen the Messiah. In doing so, Simeon verified that Jesus is the promised Christ. He is God’s salvation for all people – for Jews and Gentiles alike.

After he blessed the family, Simeon gave Mary a prophecy. “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:34-35). The first part of the prophecy states that there’s no middle ground with Jesus – you’re either for or against Him. The last part tells Mary that her heart will be broken by the people’s rejection of her Son. In fact, Mary will be present at His crucifixion.

Simeon’s “life story” was part of God’s “Larger Story.” Simeon’s life purpose was to verify the identity of the Messiah. Simeon was uniquely qualified for this assignment. He was an older man with time on his hands to wait daily at the Temple for the Messiah. More importantly, Simeon was a godly man – righteous, devout, and sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. God created Simeon for this task, and throughout his life, God equipped Simeon to be prepared to recognize the Messiah.

It’s not hard to see the importance of the Holy Spirit in these events. First, Luke 1:25 states, “The Holy Spirit was upon [Simeon].” The two of them had a close, personal, and ongoing relationship. Second, the Spirit promised that Simeon wouldn’t die before he saw the Messiah – and by faith Simeon believed it. Third, Simeon heard the Spirit’s prompting that the child with Joseph and Mary was the Messiah. It’s interesting that Simeon’s name means “one who hears.” Finally, the Spirit was behind the scenes guiding Simeon when he praised God and gave Mary the prophecy (see Romans 8:26-27).

So how important is the Holy Spirit to you? Do you have a close, personal, and ongoing relationship with Him? Remember: It’s impossible to live the Christian life in your own strength. You must be filled with the Holy Spirit; that is, you must be fully yielded to His control. Then He empowers you to live a life pleasing to God.

Like Simeon, the Holy Spirit will guide you in fulfilling your unique, God-given assignment. But to complete your work – to live out your calling – you must be sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit. Many believers will back up what I’m about to say. When you walk in the Spirit – when you hear and obey His voice – the Christian life truly becomes a Great Adventure. Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and to use you for His glory (John 17:4).

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