And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 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. 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. 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, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
    according to your word;
for 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.”

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

Luke 2:22-40

The Advent season calls us to “expectant waiting.” It is a time to lean into God’s promises, preparing our hearts with hope and anticipation. Yet, if I’m honest, waiting is not my strength. I’ve been known to google TV show plotlines just to ease the tension of the unknown or ask to know about upcoming surprises because I find joy in the anticipation, not the unknown. Some might call it impatience; others might say it’s a need for control—and they’d be right.

But life seldom works that way. The journey often involves unexpected detours, long seasons of waiting, and the uncertainty of God’s timing. Perhaps that’s why Luke 2:22-40 resonates with me so deeply this season.

This passage tells the story of Simeon, a man described as “righteous and devout,” who lived in anticipation of the “consolation of Israel.” This phrase reflects Israel’s longing for the Messiah—the One who would bring salvation and restoration. Yet, Simeon held a unique promise: he would not die before seeing the Messiah. How many years did he cling to this hope? How many days did he enter the temple, scanning each face, wondering if this would be the day?

Years ago, I encountered Ron DiCianni’s artwork Simeon’s Moment, and it deeply moved me. The painting captures Simeon’s joy and relief as he holds the swaddled Christ child. A single tear runs down his cheek, and his expression speaks of years of longing, prayers, and unwavering trust finally fulfilled.

Simeon’s story reminds me to posture my heart in faith and trust the One who never fails. God is faithful. Period. He fulfills His promises, and His timing is perfect. Waiting on Him is never wasted. Our role is to trust Him, lean into His promises, and be ready when He declares the time has come.

Prayer:
Lord, in this Advent season, teach us the beauty of waiting with hope and expectation. Help us trust in Your perfect timing and unfailing promises. Like Simeon, may our hearts be ready to see Your work and our voices eager to proclaim Your goodness. Fill us with the joy and peace that come from knowing You are faithful. Amen.

Teri & Ray Sommer