Following Jesus Through the First Christmas: 25 Days of Advent TruthsSample

By the time Jesus was born, God’s people had been waiting on a Redeemer for centuries.

Simeon had waited his whole life. We don't know his age, but we know he was righteous and devout.

He also had a rare gift for someone at this time: he was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Simeon wasn’t famous or powerful – just faithful and hopeful. The Spirit told him that he wouldn’t die until he saw the Messiah.

So when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, Simeon recognized Him immediately. He took the child in his arms and praised God.

His waiting turned into worship.

Over the years, hope had been his anchor. And hope like that isn’t sentimental. It doesn’t pretend that pain won’t come.

Real hope sees past present suffering and trusts that blessing waits on the other side.

Hope reshapes how we wait — in hospital rooms, empty houses, job searches, and broken relationships.

It trains us to look for God at work, to worship in the waiting, and to prepare our hearts for what He’s promised.

That’s the posture that Simeon modeled for us. He shows us what we're really waiting for.

Ultimately, salvation isn’t found in a better circumstance or a checklist to complete — it’s found in a relationship with Jesus.

Come to God hungry, and you will be satisfied. While we follow Him, we take each step with joy and trust.

Jesus turns hopeful expectation into abundant joy.

Pray:

God, shape my waiting so it looks like worship: expectant, grateful, and hopeful. Help me hold Your promises with courage and to bless others with the hope I carry. Amen.

Talk About It:

When have you seen God show up in your past waiting? How could you be more hopeful in your waiting this week?

Worship:

Take a few minutes today to sit with this truth in song. Listen to King of Kings by Hillsong. Search for Following Jesus Through the First Christmas on Spotify by Biltmore Church for the full playlist.