Simeon's Wish
It was always hard getting Simeon’s attention when he was lost in thought. This time when Anna yelled his name, the godly man jumped with surprise, fumbled his cane and watched it clatter to the ground.
“I’m sorry, Simeon,” Anna said. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“Not a problem,” Simeon smiled, but when he stooped for his cane, a groan left his lips.
“OK,” he admitted, slowly straightening up, “there might be a small problem.”
“Your back still aches?” Anna asked.
Simeon leaned on his cane. “My bones groan. My back cracks. And my knuckles buckle.”
Anna nodded and smoothed her silver hair.
“But you know the thing I ache for most,” he continued, “is to meet the Savior face to face.”
Anna grinned. “Remember, the Lord promised that you will meet Him some day.”
“Yes,” Simeon agreed. “Some day.” He couldn’t help but smile when he imagined that moment.
“Well, come into the courtyard,” Anna said, heading toward the temple.
When Simeon reached the temple courts, he felt the Holy Spirit stir within him. Clutching his cane, Simeon looked into the crowd and noticed a mother and father with their baby.
He held his breath. “Can this tiny baby really be the Lord’s Messiah?” Simeon whispered in prayer.
Yes, God assured him, it is.
Simeon’s heart raced faster than his feet ever could, but he quickly made his way toward the child who had captured his attention.
“Excuse me,” Simeon said, greeting the young family. “Are you here to present your baby to the Lord?”
The parents nodded.
“Such a special child,” Simeon said. “What is his name?”
“Jesus,” the young mother answered.
“Jesus,” he whispered, “my Savior.”
The old man dropped his cane and reached for the newborn. Simeon’s slumping spine straightened, and his creaky knees steadied.
“Lord,” he prayed out loud, “thank You for letting me meet the Messiah, the one who has come to save the world. What a gift You have given to me and to every person who believes.”
Standing tall, Simeon blinked back happy tears and hugged baby Jesus to his heart.
Just then Anna came over and saw Simeon’s cane on the ground. Her eyes opened wide. Then she saw the baby and understood why her old friend no longer ached. Simeon had met his Savior!