In Japan, Christmas is a holiday for lovers, illuminations and decorations. Even Japanese TV and anime air some Christmas episodes. Long before December arrives, Christmas songs are played in malls everywhere. Recently, I was at Kaldi, an import store, with my wife. The classic hymn by Charles Wesley (1739) could be heard playing,
“Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth.
Born to give them second birth.”
At a time when Israel was oppressed by the Roman regime and suffocating under the legalism of the pharisees, Luke 2: 25 says Simeon was “waiting for the consolation of Israel.” All across the world, many are waiting for consolations in the midst of COVID 19. But the waiting period can be painfully slow as we wait for situations to improve. The waiting period also reveals the false consolations outside of Christ.
Simeon’s waiting, however, was based on a promise “that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ” (v. 26). No matter how difficult or dark the days are, somewhere in the dark, hopelessness and despair, there is ultimate comfort and hope. Upon seeing the Comforter, Simeon was able to say, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your Word; for my eyes have seen your salvation” (vv. 29, 30).
We may live long enough to see great advancement in medical science and technology, to serve humanity! For Simeon there was nothing greater than to see salvation in this Christmas child. There was no greater peace, no greater consolation, no greater salvation than to see the Saviour whom he embraced in his arms. “For my eyes have seen your salvation.”
Jesus was born under the law to fulfill the law for us (vv. 22- 24). He was born to give Himself on the cross “that man no more may die.” He came to give us a second birth (John 3: 7).
Simeon waited for His first coming. While we await His second coming, the rest of the world is waiting to hear of His first coming!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Pastor Joey.Z