Luke 2:25-32

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous 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 And he came in 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     that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and for glory to your people Israel.”

This week’s theme is JOY

Simeon was a good and righteous man. He longed for the deliverance of Israel. Through the Holy Spirit, God had told Simeon that he would see Christ before his death. After waiting confidently, this day finally arrived. Simeon praised God when he saw the baby Jesus because he knew salvation had come both to the Jews and the Gentiles.

Reflection and Discussion:

• Waiting is hard. Waiting for something important is even harder. Sometimes, we must wait for God to do what He has promised to do. We can be faithful that He will do it in his perfect timing. Simeon had been waiting to see Jesus. When the moment finally came, JOY flooded his heart, and praise flowed from his lips. Joy and thanksgiving often go hand in hand. What is one thing you are thankful for today that increases the JOY in your heart