One of my favorite characters in the Christmas story is Simeon. The second chapter of Luke tells us that this devout elder of Jerusalem spent his time in the Temple waiting. That’s significant, for even though Simeon had been given a specific revelation-that he would see the Christ before he died-he was actually part of a legacy of saints who’s lives were spent in anticipation of the coming King. In a way, Simeon represents a bridge between the Old Testament Believers and those of the New Testament.

Short of actually having a Redeemer, or as Simeon calls Him, God’s Salvation, the faithful men of women of the Old Testament were left to walk in obedient expectation. They knew that one day the Promised One would be revealed and bring the ultimate peace with God that every man longs for. That day in the Temple, Simeon personally saw the ultimate fulfillment of this promise as he not only saw his Messiah, he held Him in his arms.

What I find important to us today is that when faced with the Source of Salvation, our brother Simeon modeled a pattern of behavior that serves us well this Christmas season. He embraced the God-man, Jesus and thanked God that the purpose of his life was now complete. Praise God that we do not have to wait for a Redeemer. He has come and He is with us! Let us embrace Him and give thanks to God that through His gift, our lives now have ultimate meaning and purpose.