The wait is over

A contradiction!

22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”[b]), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”[c]

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”-Luke2:22-35

I was touched by how faithful Simeon waited for the Savior. Perhaps as he waited, there were moments that he gave up, moments that he was tired, moments that he wished he were dead already. Finally, the day came. So strange, perhaps, to see an honored elderly man giving homage and much praise to an infant. I cannot help but feel that it was Simeon who asked permission from an infant to give him rest and a happy journey beyond. When did the "Simeon" in us showed much respect and humility to others? When was the last time the "Simeon" in us gave praise to God in our busyness and rush during the Christmas festivities? When did we wait for so long for something? How did we feel when finally, after a long wait, it was granted?

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