In Luke 2:25-35 we’re introduced to Simeon, who was a godly man (“righteous and devout,” v 25)—he truly believed in and worshipped the Lord. And he was likely an elderly man at the time of Jesus’ birth—when he finally sees the Christ child, he prays, “Now let your servant depart in peace” (v 29), meaning, “I have lived my life, my long wait is over.”
You see, Simeon had been “waiting for the consolation of Israel” (v 25)—that is, for God to fulfill his covenant promises to the Jewish people to lead them into an age of true peace and ultimate security. He knew his Bible (the OT), and so he was faithfully waiting for the Lord to bring about final salvation.
The Holy Spirit was “upon” Simeon (v 25)—and in a special way God’s Spirit had revealed to him that he would live to see the Messiah come! I can imagine eager, hopeful Simeon singing, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, born to set thy people free.”
Speaking of singing, the “Song of Simeon” (2:29-32) emphasizes a theme that runs right through Luke and all of the Gospels and Acts and the whole NT: even though the salvation accomplished by the Lord in sending of his Son to enter into human life was rooted in his promises to Israel, it is only fully realized when God’s blessings extend to all the earth, to every people, tribe, language!
Simeon cries out, “My eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel” (2:30-32).
Matthew’s account of the wise men from “the east” (i.e., around modern-day Iraq, 2:1-12) also reminds us of God’s heart to reach a lost world. Cosmic signs drew the foreign travelers to seek the Newborn King in order to “worship him” (2:2).
And so, this Christmas let’s pray for the nations, “Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!” (Psalm 67:3).
