… and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.
1 Peter 1:8
Have you ever been searching for something and not known exactly what you were looking for? Maybe it was a career, a home, or a spouse. Perhaps you had a vague idea of what you needed or wanted and you hoped you would be able to recognize it when you saw it. There might have been a slight trepidation or even fear that it might pass you by if you were not looking closely enough. Oh, the very thought that it stared you in the face and you missed it! It might have even happened that you thought you found what you were looking for, but hesitated, because of a nagging doubt in the back of your mind. I would like to venture a guess that we all can relate to one or more of these feelings and scenarios. It could be that this holiday season you find yourself right in the middle of it.
At various points of Advent, I have often marvelled at the story of Simeon. Scripture says that he was “righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him” (Luke 2:25). Reading further it says that he had been promised that he would not meet death until he had “seen the Lord’s Christ” (2:26), or the Messiah. I often have wondered if he knew exactly what he was waiting to see. Was it the newborn that he finally saw? Did he know that Messiah would be a baby? Unfortunately for my curious mind, the Holy Spirit leaves us in the dark of Simeon’s inner workings but what we can read and know for certain is that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, he most certainly recognized the fulfillment of God’s promise when he laid his eyes on the child. He did not die wondering if he had missed it. The passage says that he “blessed God” and even spoke to the future of what God intended to fulfill through his Son, Jesus (2:28–32). Seeing God’s promise fulfilled made Simeon see even farther, to more of what God had promised.
As believers, we find ourselves in a very similar position as Simeon. We are all hoping and waiting for our final deliverance and the second coming of our Lord. We have the promise that, “The one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself” (2 Cor. 4:14 niv). It is something wonderful that we are eagerly anticipating. Through the comfort of God’s Spirit and God’s word, in the words of 1 Peter 1:8, we can love him, believe in him, and rejoice with joy inexpressible.
But still we wait. And I hope that this Christmas season, as you meditate on the wonder of God who became flesh, the hope of eternity in his presence and the redemption of your soul will leave you looking and longing for more of God. I hope that this Christmas season, regardless of the circumstance in which you find yourself, you will be peace-filled, knowing that his promises to you are as sure and concrete as Simeon’s were. You will not miss them.
Come, Lord Jesus. This is the cry of your people. As we look back in thankfulness we look forward in anticipation. We long to see you truly and know you fully.
Becky Vellekoop
* Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, ©The Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1995. Used by permission.
** The above was taken from Glory to God in the Highest: A Christmas Devotional (Oakville: Proclamation, 2024).
By job title, Alice is the office administrator at Oakridge. But her behind-the-scenes efforts go far beyond that! She is actively involved in the leadership team for the Tuesday evening women's bible study, she is on the mission committee, and she has recently both stepped into the leadership of church bridal and baby shower celebrations, and started teaching in our Ozone kids program. Oh, and if you see any special seasonal or holiday decorations around the church, it's a safe bet that Alice was involved!