The Men of ChristmasSample

Behold the Lord

The Best Supporting Actor/Actress award is an interesting category in film awards.

Not the main character, but they move the story along in a significant way at certain points, and usually, the main character could not do what they need to without them.

Think perhaps of Samwise to Frodo or even Pippin and/or Meri in Lord of the Rings. The story would go on without them, but it wouldn’t be the same.

This week, we’ve examined some of the men in the Christmas story. To be fair, all of them are supporting actors in the grand narrative of the Gospels, but each has a significant scene.

Today’s man makes his one and only appearance.

Simeon was a righteous man who had been promised by God that he would see the Messiah.

Imagine that promise. You would be witness to the salvation that had been promised for centuries. Your eyes would see the one who would deliver and restore Israel. Each day would be one of excitement as you look into the eyes of those who pass by, wondering if they were the one.

We do not know when the promise was given to Simeon or how long he waited, but it was likely a long time. Simeon paints a picture of faithfulness. He waited, always listening for the voice of the Spirit. When he heard it, he moved.

I wonder if he was surprised to hear the voice of the Spirit indicating the child that was coming into the Temple. An infant? Is that the deliverer? Simeon didn’t need to be told twice. He took the child in his arms and praised God for His faithfulness.

Simeon remained faithful and waited for what God had promised. God may not have promised us anything in the same way he promised Simeon, but we can faithfully and patiently wait on God’s promises in the same way Simeon waited.

The coming of Jesus is the ultimate promise kept. If God has kept this promise, all others are secure as well. We just have to wait.

Prayer: Faithful God, patience is both a virtue and a fruit of the Spirit. Help me grow it in my life as I wait for Your timing and Your fulfillment of Your work. Amen.

Reflection: What are you waiting for the Lord to do? Are you patiently and faithfully waiting?