[Advent] The Love of Simeon

“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations.” (Luke 2:30-31)

It’s that time of year when, inevitably, you’ll step into a department store and hear:
“Last Christmas, I gave you my heart, but the very next day, you gave it away.”

(My sincerest apologies if that gets stuck in your head.)

If you love that song, I’m happy it’s adding to your Christmas joy. But it always makes me pause. It seems to be about love, given and betrayed and found anew. And after all, Christmas is all about love, right?

Christmas is, in fact, the most beautiful love story. But unlike George Michael’s lyrics suggest, true love isn’t a feeling. It’s about action, and it’s a way of living before God and others.

Today, Simeon steps onto the Advent stage. He’s an old man who has spent years waiting in love. Let’s get to know him. 

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:25-35

In Luke 2, we learn that Simeon has lived his life in a posture of love for God (similar to what we learned of Anna, Elizabeth, and Zechariah in previous weeks). He’s called “righteous” and “devout.” He is led by the Holy Spirit and is ready to move when God prompts him.

Through his faithful devotion, Simeon was ready to speak about the Good News of the Messiah when it came. He lived in patient readiness waiting for the “consolation of Israel” (v. 25).

After receiving a promise from the Holy Spirit that he wouldn’t die before he saw the Messiah, he feels the call to visit the temple at the same time Mary and Joseph are bringing baby Jesus there. When he sees the child, he utters what is now known as the Nunc Dimittis. It means “now you dismiss.” Which can sound a bit underwhelming, until you understand what it means for Simeon.

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

    you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

    which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

    and the glory of your people Israel.” (v. 29-32)

We can hear his devotion and love of God in the song. Simeon addresses God as Lord and himself as a servant, and when he finally holds Jesus, he is willing to “depart in peace” at the promise fulfilled. Love, for Simeon, is grateful surrender to a faithful God.

At the same time, his song reveals a love that stretches beyond himself. He calls Jesus God’s salvation “prepared in the sight of all nations,” a savior for both Israel and the Gentiles. Simeon rejoices that God’s love is both particular and universal—faithful to Israel’s story and generous to the whole world.

Yet, while feelings of hope and peace and joy accompany this love, Simeon’s words are not sentimental. He tells Mary that a sword will pierce her soul and that Jesus will reveal the thoughts of many hearts. Love, in Simeon’s mouth, is honest about the cost of redemption.

In this Advent season, Simeon’s example invites believers to wait in love, recognize Jesus in humble places, and embrace a love that is Spirit-led, globally minded, and willing to face both joy and sorrow with God.

Our Own Ready to Speak Reflection

What “promises” are we waiting for, and how does that patient waiting prepare our hearts and voices to declare God’s truth when it arrives?

Listening to Love

Hymn: O Little Town of Bethlehem

This hymn speaks of the quiet, deep reality of God’s Love breaking into the world. Simeon waited patiently for this moment, and the line “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight” perfectly captures the essence of the fulfillment that Simeon was waiting to see. This rendition makes me reflect on what that means for us today.

Song: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Simeon held the infant Savior, the “newborn King.” This song is a declaration of the Incarnation—the ultimate expression of God’s Love. The final verse’s lines, “Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die” remind us of Simeon’s peace in the Nunc Dimittis at the end of this life and the promise of an eternal one through that same baby boy.