Read: Luke 2:22–38
Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now You are dismissing Your servant in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel.” Luke 2:28–32
Simeon took the infant Jesus in his arms and proclaimed for everyone in the temple to hear that Jesus was special—destined for greatness. In Jesus, Simeon saw glory and light and salvation. How could Simeon have known all that the moment Jesus and His family entered the temple? Unless, somehow, that is the divine hope God has for every child born into the world. We were created to be light. We were born to glorify God. And we have within us the power to be a saving presence in the world. We cannot know the exact details for certain, and the text indicates that only Jesus received this particular acknowledgment, but what if every child brought to the temple was taken up in Simeon’s arms and hailed as special? What a gift that would be…It would be the kind of gift God would choose to give to all children and their parents.
Do you feel special?
Lord, I worry about feeling special. When people feel uniquely gifted or blessed, that is often followed by a sense of superiority and arrogance. I do not want to be like that, so I often downplay my importance in the world. However, while You may encourage humility within us, You still love us and call us to great and important work that sheds light and glory and salvation throughout Your world. Special or not, I want to be a part of that. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.