“A Light to the Gentiles,”  by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission: www.GregOlsen.com

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In Jerusalem, there was a devout man named Simeon, in early New Testament days, who’d been waiting for the promised Messiah, in order to give Him praise.

The Holy Spirit was upon Simeon and had revealed that he wouldn’t die, until he would get to see that One, who was the object of his heart’s cry.

One day the Spirit led him to the Temple and there he saw a Child, whom he knew, by the Spirit’s prompting, to be the One born undefiled.

Mary and Joseph were amazed to hear what Simeon then said about their boy–Jesus would cause many in Israel to fall, but to many others He would bring joy.

Simeon warned that many would oppose Him–the deepest thoughts of hearts would be revealed; A sword would pierce Mary’s very soul–a reference to the cross, to which He’d yield.

Simeon said Jesus was sent as a sign from God, to reveal Himself and be a light…to every nation upon the earth — “the glory of God’s people Israel” was His birthright.

Just as Simeon was speaking with Mary and Joseph, another given to prophecy came by–Anna, who never left the temple, but stayed day and night, raised her praises high….

How about you? Have you “seen” the Savior, as these people did who were old? Assurance and peace was theirs, having seen Jesus, whose life became the greatest story ever told!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now Lord, Thou dost let Thy bond-servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; For my eyes have seen Thy salvation, Which Thou has prepared in the presence of all peoples. A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.” Luke 2:28-32

(Luke 2:21-38 for the entire account of Simeon and Anna)

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'” Luke 2:10-11