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…