Simeon’s Encounter

By Barbi Paschal

Simeon, a religious man dedicated to God, living in Jerusalem, was very old and feeling the number of those years. Long ago, he had been told by the Holy Spirit that before he died, he would see the Messiah, the redeemer of his people. He lived most of his life in this expectancy. He never gave up hope and believed the words given him from God, that he would not pass from this life without meeting the Lord’s Christ.

As the years passed, he would often remind himself that what he had been shown would, one day, be a reality. 

Then rumors began to spread around the city. Was it possible that the stories he was hearing of the angels and the shepherds declaring the coming of the Lord could be true? Could what he had been shown so many years ago actually be happening? That the baby born to Joseph and Mary was special – that this baby was the coming Savior?

He had  patiently waited for so long.  Filled with anticipation, and led by the Spirit, he entered the temple court.

 Joseph and Mary also entered the temple court bringing their baby, as was their duty for the redemption of the firstborn. As they were brought together, Simeon took the baby Jesus into his arms and in this baby he recognized the Comforter of his people. Overcome with joy of the Lord’s faithfulness, he begins blessing and praising God!! “Glory to and Holy is the Lord! My eyes have seen your salvation! I may now enter your presence in peace”.