Simeon's Dream

Ever have a period of disappointment? Or a life time of struggle or heartache? How do we get through such times?

Simeon, in Luke 2:21-33, was such a man. He had waited a lifetime for the promise of the coming of the Messiah. He kept waiting and dreaming. He kept praying. He kept expecting. He was now an old man by the time Mary and Joseph brought the eight day old baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to dedicate the Son of God.

God had promised Simeon that he would see the Messiah, the fulfillment of his dream before he would die. I wonder how many times he had prayed, "O lord, when is it going to happen? When is the Messiah coming? How much longer must I wait?" The thing that impresses me most is that apparently Simeon never gave up on his dream or God's promise.

One day he goes into the Temple and he saw the fulfillment of all his prayers, hopes, and dreams. It is the Christ child. The promise of God had been kept. Simeon is now ready to die a happy man. He takes baby Jesus in his arms, after a life time of obedient waiting and hoping and praying; it has been worth the agony of the wait.

I am impressed. Simeon never let "the things as they are" get the best of him. The testing of one's faith is important to our growth and the development of our character. God is bigger than your biggest dream. Don't give up. In the fullness of time God sent His son. In the fullness of time God will answer your prayers.

I read these words this morning in my devotions: ". . . the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:6-7 NIV) Notice the words "the time came for the baby to be born." There is a season for everything, so said Solomon (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Have faith - keep your faith - rediscover your faith this Christmas season.