“…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. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:28-35 ESV)
Expectations
Sometimes I have a pretty good idea what is under the tree. I’ve usually made my requests, dropped hints, and examined (from the legal distance in our house) the presents.
But even when I know, or THINK I know… the event is usually better than my expectations.
So it was for Simeon. He knew the Messiah was coming. He knew where the Messiah would be born, and that the child would be from a family who would bring the baby to the temple at the right time. He knew what the Messiah was going to do.
But then… can you imagine Simeon’s face when he saw Jesus?
More than he expected.
Not physically, of course. I hate to admit that usually a baby just looks like a baby.
But Simeon knew. It had been revealed to him. And it was more than he expected.
The same is true for us. Whatever you expect from God… expect more! At Christmas, of course… but always!