As Christmas draws near, it is understandable that not everyone will be in a festive mood. There are those who may be struggling with loneliness while their colleagues are overseas on family holidays and their peers are gathering over meals or after-work drinks. Some could still be grieving over their deceased loved ones or a broken relationship and would rather avoid social engagements because even well-meaning questions from others can take a toll on their emotions.
On the other hand, there are people who long for respite from their care-giving responsibilities while others despair over their deteriorating health conditions. When life gets messy and painful, hope and joy often seem so far away.
In the Gospel’s account of the sentiments surrounding the birth of Christ, life was not any much easier or better for those who were worshippers of the God of Israel. Nevertheless, there seems to be this sense of anticipation and yearning amongst some individuals who faithfully waited for God’s fulfilment of his promises. Given their personal circumstances as well as the seeming absence of God despite the Temple being rebuilt, they could have easily turn into jaded and grumpy Scrooges. Instead, what we see is that their lives were characterised by holy living and sincere devotion to God.
For Simeon who loved Israel and longed for the restoration of his broken nation, we learn that he had waited for the “consolation of Israel” (Lk 2:25). Led by the Spirit, Simeon sought out the infant Jesus. And when he saw Jesus, he had faith that this baby was indeed God’s promised Messiah. The presence of Jesus was sufficient for Simeon. There was no need for Simeon to wait until Jesus grows up and for him to witness Jesus’ miraculous works before Simeon is convinced that Jesus is the one whom he has been waiting for all his life. With the coming of Jesus, Simeon was ready to face death in peace (Lk 2:29-30).
Likewise, Anna an eighty-four years old prophetess who remained a widow for a considerable number of years gave thanks to God when she saw Jesus presented at the temple. Instead of being crushed by grief and becoming bitter against God after her husband died seven years into their marriage, Anna gave of herself in worship and encourage others who shared in her longing for God’s return (Lk 2:38).
The examples of Simeon and Anna become more amazing when we consider how God had remained silent for about 400 years before the birth of Jesus. How is it possible for anyone to still wait for God and continue trusting that God will keep his promises when there were no more messages from the prophets?
Furthermore, in the socio-political arena, the Roman Empire had successfully squashed previous Jewish uprisings and the Jewish Temple was a pale shadow of her former glories. As far as most Israelites were concerned, there was no sign that their lives will improve in the foreseeable future and that Israel will be delivered from her pagan oppressors.
But perhaps for Simeon and Anna, Israel’s seemingly bleak prospects only meant that these faithful believers were best positioned to welcome and receive God’s promises in the person of Jesus. As they yearned and humbly looked to God through the years, God chose to reveal his purposes to them through his Spirit and led them to his promised Son.
Indeed thanks be to God, God’s timing is always perfect! In Galatians 4:4, the Apostle Paul explained that “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons”.
In this season of Advent, let us remember that in the incarnation of Christ, God demonstrated his grace and is able to keep his promises to those who may be struggling to have hope and acknowledge their desperate need for a Saviour. God sees our pain and failings. But through Jesus, God has done something miraculous to bring about our healing and restoration.
Jesus came because in God’s infinite mercies, he will not forsake those who rightfully deserve to come under his judgment for our sins against Him. Instead of treating us as enemies, God reconciled us to himself through Jesus’ atoning death and welcomed us into his family. In accordance with God’s sovereign plan, Jesus came to bring God the greatest glory and offer the forgiveness of sins and comfort to weary souls.
Admittedly, waiting for God who operates on a different timeframe can often feel frustrating and trying. But like Simeon and Anna, the difficult bits of our lives need not overwhelm us or lead us to despair. Instead, it can increase our yearning for Christ’s return when all will be made well and help us see Jesus as the greatest gift that nothing else in this world can ever compare with. For those who have tasted of God’s goodness, we know it is but a glimpse of something far better and glorious. Meanwhile, as we wait, may we also be more intentional and find loving ways to reach out to those who are waiting for something that only Jesus can truly satisfy and fulfill. Just as Christ came bringing peace and joy during the first Advent, may God work though us his Church to do likewise until the day He comes again, to the glory of his name.
