During Advent reflections, I love when “side characters” like Simeon and Anna get a little attention. Though they don’t show up in nativity scenes, both elderly figures shared a deep faith and lifelong devotion to God. That devotion helped them be ready to speak when the Gospel Himself arrived.
We meet both Simeon and Anna in chapter 2 of Luke, right on the heels of the shepherds’ story. Simeon is described here as “righteous and devout” and someone who was “waiting for the consolation of Israel.” He was sensitive to hearing from the Spirit of God, which is how he knew he would meet the Messiah before he died and was able to recognize baby Jesus. In his praises, he prophesied the child would be “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
Anna was also devout, having stayed in the temple since her husband died (after only seven years of marriage). At age eighty-four, she had dedicated her life to praying, fasting, worship, and prayer. Like Simeon, she recognized Jesus as the Messiah right away and was immediately able to share the hope that he brought to God’s people.
Simeon and Anna were ready to speak because:
their lives and habits made room for the Holy Spirit to move and speak
they had each devoted their lives to seeking God, attuning themselves to his leading
they had been waiting, patiently and expectantly, for the Messiah
they had been given prophetic insight from God to recognize Jesus
When we build our lives with faithfulness and spiritual preparation, we are able to see God move. Simeon and Anna were both ready to recognize and proclaim the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah when the moment came. They were privileged to witness the fulfillment of God’s promise – because they were ready.
What about you? What habits frame your life and attune your soul to God’s leading? Are there any new ones you’d like to adopt? Are your eyes open for opportunities to witness God’s Kingdom and be ready to speak about it?
Blog post originally from teresamoon.org
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