Enough

We’ve nearly always burned an Advent candle.

Why?

It’s a way of building excitement through anticipation, focusing on an event, a specific day of great joy! It teaches about waiting and measuring it.

We wanted our children to enjoy it all. Wait. Anticipate. Celebrate!

I love Simeon in Luke 2. He’s old and a man of deep, abiding (waiting) faith.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

His waiting is measured in daily faithfulness in the small things. He’s been waiting all his life for God to free his people from oppression.

Finally, the wait is over! He sees the 40-day-old Christ child, holds him, and praises the Lord. He says this, which seems like a peaceful death wish:

You now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation. . .

Simeon believes the promises of God are beginning at this tine, in this helpless little baby.

Just knowing the process of deliverance is beginning is enough.

He trusts God, believing the deliverance will unfold and be fully realized as this baby grows into a man.

It is enough to know that everything is in place and will unfold!

Simeon did not see, nor did he need to see, the fulfillment of all things. He finds peace in knowing that it is beginning. It is enough. His wait is over.

I have lots to learn from old Simeon.