Comfort, Yes Comfort for Those Who Wait in Expectant Hope
The Gospel According to Simeon
A small cloud of dust kicked up beneath his well-worn sandals as he entered the temple courtyard. Simeon’s heart raced as he moved with an urgency he hadn’t felt in years. His eyes scanned the courtyard, and then he saw them. Making their way through the crowd, the young couple carried their newborn and a pair of turtledoves for their purification offering. It was the Spirit that had led Simeon here and confirmed that this was the One he had been waiting for. The Consolation of Israel, the promised comforter was finally here, and he slept comfortably in his mother’s arms.
Nunc Dimittis
Mary wasn’t afraid to place her baby in Simeon’s outstretched arms. His eyes were kind and filled with tears as he gently cradled the newborn. Overwhelmed by God’s kindness, he burst out in praise and prophecy. His song has been called the “Nunc Dimittis” from the first two words in the Latin Vulgate which translates, “Now you let depart.” Simeon wouldn’t live long enough to see the wonders or the wounds this newborn babe would perform and bear. But he knew his birth would bring salvation, and he’d already brought comfort to this man’s heart.
Simeon’s life was complete, and now he could die in peace.
“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.” Luke 2:29-32
Simeon had surely endured mockery and insults for his steadfast belief that the Messiah would come. He was part of a remnant of true believers waiting and watching for the Lord’s arrival. With hundreds of prophecies concerning the Seed, Ruler, Star, Branch, Shepherd, Prince, Anointed One, Messiah, and Comforter, there was no excuse for Israel not to be on the lookout for his arrival. But in the temple, the very place you’d expect the Messiah to show up and be welcomed, only Simeon and Anna recognized this holy moment.