What Simeon Saw: Marveling at Jesus
Have you ever looked at something and realized it reveals more about you than the thing itself? Think about those inkblot tests—one person sees a face; another sees an animal. Our perspective often says a lot about us.
That’s kind of how it was for Simeon when he saw the baby Jesus. Most people at the temple saw a newborn, but Simeon saw something extraordinary: a tiny Savior with a mighty mission. His story reminds us that Christmas isn’t just about celebrating a holiday, with all of the twinkling, wrapping, and merry-making —it’s an invitation to see Jesus with fresh eyes of faith and marvel at what He brings to the world.
Here’s how Luke tells Simeon’s story in Luke 2:25-32:
“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 on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.’”
So, what did Simeon see? How did he recognize the extraordinary in the ordinary? And what can we learn from his response to Jesus?
Simeon’s Faithful Waiting
Simeon was “righteous and devout,” someone who deeply loved God and trusted His promises, even after 600 years of foreign rule over Israel. God had promised Simeon he’d see the Messiah before he died, so Simeon waited—not with doubt but with hope.
On that day in the temple, Simeon saw more than a baby. He saw salvation itself. Filled with joy, he praised God and declared he could now die in peace.
Seeing the Extraordinary in the Ordinary
Not everyone saw what Simeon saw. Most people saw an ordinary child. Like the story of the famous violinist Joshua Bell, who played in a bustling Washington DC subway station while thousands of people scurried by, missing the beauty of his music. (Check out the clip below to see for yourself.)
You see, Jesus, too, seemed ordinary to many. People dismissed Him as “Joseph’s son” and overlooked His divine significance. But Simeon, through faith, recognized Jesus for who He truly was—salvation, light, and glory.
How Do You See Jesus?
Simeon’s story invites us to ask: What do I see when I look at Jesus? Is He merely a historical figure, or is He my Savior?
Here are some ways we can respond to Jesus, just as Simeon did:
- Slow Down & Look for Jesus in the Ordinary
Spend time daily in Scripture and prayer. Then, ask for Jesus to reveal Himself in your daily tasks. God often reveals Himself in life’s small moments. - Reflect on Your Vision
Ask yourself: Who is Jesus to me? How is He at work in my life? - Share the Light
Simeon saw Jesus as the light for the world. Who in your life needs to hear about that hope? Invite someone to church or share how Jesus has impacted you. - Marvel at Jesus Daily
Make worship and gratitude a habit—through prayer, song, or journaling. Worship and gratitude are the keys to opening doors of opportunity and blessing. - Trust and Obey
Simeon trusted God’s promises. Is there an area in your life where you need to do the same? Step out in faith. - Celebrate Together
Gather with family, friends, or church to reflect on God’s goodness.
Marveling at Jesus in the New Year
Christmas reminds us to marvel at Jesus—not only during the holidays but every day. As we approach the New Year, let’s focus on this resolution: to marvel at Jesus, our marvelous Savior, light, and hope.
Like Simeon, may we look to Jesus with joy and gratitude, saying, “My eyes have seen your salvation!”
Merry Christmas and blessings to you and yours in the new year!
