Countdown to Christmas: 12 Days to Prepare Your HeartSample

Thankfulness - Simeon's Story

Sometimes, waiting for something reveals how special it is.

Think of a child who’s asked for a bike for Christmas. For months, or maybe all year, they’ve been thinking about how awesome it will be when they finally get to unwrap and ride their new bicycle for the first time.

We don’t know how long Simeon waited to lay eyes on Jesus, but we can imagine that it could have been quite a while, maybe even decades, or a lifetime.

However long it was, we know that Simeon didn’t give up hope in the waiting. He stuck to his conviction that God would fulfil what He had promised, no matter how long it took.

The excitement that follows a gift, like that bicycle that's just been unwrapped, often moves us on so quickly that we can forget to stop and thank the Father who gave it to us.

Has God recently fulfilled, or is He bringing about the fulfilment of something in your life? Like Simeon, let thankfulness to God be your first response, and let it be generous and loud.

Or are you still waiting on God to come through? Maybe it has been a while, and maybe you’re beginning to feel hope slip away. Like the Holy Spirit moved Simeon, ask Him to strengthen your conviction and help you remain steadfast. Let Simeon’s testimony and the presence of the Holy Spirit comfort and encourage you today.

Reflect: How do you relate to Simeon in this Story?

Pray: Lord, thank you for your promises fulfilled in my life. Holy Spirit, comfort me where I feel desperate, and help my faith to remain steadfast.