Simeon may be the most overlooked character in the Christmas story. We know nothing about him other than what Luke tells us here. He was a devout man of God who patiently waited for God to come to rescue his people. God promised him he would see this consolation before his death. As he sees the child Jesus for the first time, he is filled with the Spirit and declares that the light of salvation has come. He then prophesies that the salvation this child brings will come at a cost. Simeon models for us what it means to trust the promises of God and to be captivated by a singular vision for the Gospel.
Zechariah's Joy (Luke 1:67-80)
Zechariah the priest and his wife Elizabeth were righteous servants of God. For many years they suffered; longing for a child to no avail. When God spoke to Zechariah and promised a son, Zechariah did not believe. God lovingly disciplined Zechariah by making him mute until the birth of his son, John the Baptist. Once he regained the ability to speak, out poured a hymn of praise to the God who redeems and keeps his promises. Zechariah’s story shows us the importance of faith in the word of God and the joyful response to his promises.
Mary's Joy (Luke 1:39-56)
Mary’s life has just been turned upside down. She is a young unmarried virgin who has been chosen by God to miraculously conceive and give birth to the Savior of the world. Her reputation and livelihood were at stake. Yet in all of this, her response to God is one of rejoicing, trust, and gratitude. In fact, she is so filled with joy that she responds with a Psalm of Thanksgiving, modeling for us how to respond rightly to the great things God has done for us.