Joy in the In-Between - Devotion 3

How is Joy Found? 

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, ‘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.’ And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.” Luke 2:25-33 

The account of Simeon, the priest, in Luke chapter 2 is one of my favorite parts of the Christmas story. Maybe it is because in my in-law’s house, there is a picture that depicts what Simeon may have looked like when he finally held Jesus. That portrait is just stunning. Simeon’s story is not one that most people think of when they think of Christmas, but it is so important. 

Simeon was going about his normal duties as priest during his time in the Temple. It is amazing how Simeon is described in the above passage. He was righteous, devout, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. Wow! 

There was apparently a time in his life when God had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the “Lord’s Christ,” the Messiah. Simeon had waited his entire life to see the gift of the Messiah. I am not sure he had any idea what he was looking for. I imagine that he would have thought that he would see a man of awesome stature rise to power and come to save his people, Israel. That is what I would have thought. God’s plans and ways are so much higher and greater than ours. 

So, this account begins by describing what parents did in order to present their firstborn to the Lord by sacrificing a pair of turtledoves or two pigeons. On this day, however, Simeon had the Holy Spirit upon him; something was different. This young couple bringing this baby to him was electric. Simeon may have thought, “This baby…could He be…the One?” I can imagine that Simeon’s heart rate skyrocketed as Mary handed him the baby, Jesus. 

Joy had come to Simeon, but not in the way or fashion that he could have ever dreamed. 

He took Jesus into his arms and blessed God. He worshiped. He praised. He sang. He held the Lord’s salvation in his arms! God had not only come to the rich, the politically powerful, or those in high places. Salvation had come for everyone. Good news of great joy had come for all of the people, and Simeon held Him in his arms. I am sure Simeon held Him tight. He could not take his eyes off of Jesus. His heart overflowed with joy as he looked into the eyes of this baby who would be the Redeemer of his soul. 

Perhaps you have been waiting for something. Know that God has not stopped working. He always fulfills His promises. He is ever-present with you. God’s timing is always perfect and always good. 

Joy is not found in circumstances. Joy is not found in possessions. Joy is not found in a place. Joy is not found in people. Joy is found in a lowly manger in Bethlehem, in the person of Jesus. Joy is found at the cross.

Take some time to worship the Savior that is your joy. This is where joy is found in the in-between. 

Click here to play “Hark, The Herald, Angels Sing”.