Isaiah said, “Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted” (Isa 49:13). And what was the comfort that brought such joy? The mission of your Messiah—“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isa 49:6). That’s why Simeon blessed you as he took Jesus in his arms, and I join him in praise for your great salvation. Glory to God!

As I thought about what you told me today, the importance of daily obedience really stood out. Luke said repeatedly that Joseph and Mary did exactly what the Law required (Luke 2:22, 27, 39). Because they did, they were blessed with the encouragement and edification of Simeon and Anna. Luke said that Simeon “came in the Spirit to the temple” (Luke 2:27). Because he did, he was blessed with being able to hold the Messiah in his arms. Luke said that Anna was in the temple, “worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day” (Luke 2:37). Because she was, she was blessed with seeing the redemption of Israel in the flesh. All these people were in the right place at the right time because they were obeying you. This teaches me that blessing is found by walking each day in the Spirit (Gal 5:16).

Simeon and Anna are great examples of how, even late in life, you can use both men and women in ministry. Simeon was a simple man, a layman, not a priest, but he was used by the Spirit to inspire and help Joseph and Mary at a crucial time in their lives. Anna was an elderly widow from the tribe of Asher, yet she was used by the Spirit to testify of the coming of the Messiah. Indeed, the witness of these two elderly saints paved the way for those around them to open their hearts to accept the Savior. This teaches me that it’s never too late to do service for your kingdom.

Luke mentions that Joseph and Mary “marveled at what was said about [Jesus]” (Luke 2:33). Both of them had been told by you that their child was the Messiah, the Son of God, but they didn’t seem to fully grasp what that meant. I find encouragement in this, for I know so little, and even what I do know, I often don’t understand. Yet in spite of this, you continually send fresh grace and strength my way, reassuring me that you are working for my good and your glory.

Simeon’s warning to Mary of the coming opposition to Jesus reminds me that the good news calls everyone to make a decision, and some will reject him. Am I prepared for the pain that will come as I too am rejected by those who stumble over the Savior? Am I ready to stand firm on his foundation?

Father, I ask that you give me a renewed awareness of the Spirit today. Help me to yield to his desires and follow his leading. May the Holy Spirit be upon me, and may I walk in his steps.

Thank you for the consolation of Israel, the redemption of Jerusalem, your Messiah, for he is the glory of your people and a light for revelation to the Gentiles. Truly this is comfort indeed!