The wrapping paper has been torn off and thrown away. The leftovers are finally disappearing from the fridge. The Christmas tree, which stood as a glorious centerpiece just a few days ago, is now likely shedding needles on the carpet or waiting to be packed back into a dusty box in the attic.

There is a strange, quiet melancholy that often settles over us in the days after Christmas. For weeks, we built up to the crescendo of December 25th—the music, the lights, the anticipation.

And then, as quickly as it came, it passes. The world tells us to move on. The stores are already replacing red and green with Valentine’s pink or the stark organization of “New Year, New You” fitness gear. The magic fades, and the mundane routine of daily life rushes back in to fill the void.

But for the Christian, the reality of Christmas does not get packed away with the ornaments. The profound truth of Christ’s coming offers an enduring hope that outlasts the holiday season.

In the gospel of Luke, we meet a man who understands this better than anyone. His name is Simeon. He didn’t meet Jesus on the night of the birth like the shepherds, nor did he travel with the pomp and circumstance of the Wise Men. He met Jesus later, in the quiet routine of the temple courts.

Simeon is a figure of faithful anticipation, a man who lived his entire life waiting for one specific moment.

His encounter with the infant Jesus provides us with timeless encouragement for sustaining faith into the New Year.

While the world chases the fleeting high of seasonal celebrations, Simeon invites us to fix our eyes on eternity. He teaches us that even when the special music ends and the decorations are stored, we can have peace, praise, and security in the Messiah.

The Setting: Obedience in the Temple

We have journeyed through this Advent season watching God work. We saw Him interrupt Mary’s life with a divine assignment. We heard the prophetic praise of the Magnificat. We watched Joseph obey in the shadows, and we stood in the fields with the shepherds as the sky exploded with glory. We even saw the Wise Men bow before the King.

But the narrative didn’t end at the manger.

Luke 2:21-24 sets the scene for what happens next. In strict obedience to the Law of Moses, Mary and Joseph had Jesus circumcised on the eighth day. Then, forty days after His birth, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice for Mary’s purification.

It is worth noting that they offered “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons” (Luke 2:24).

According to Leviticus 12, this was the offering of the poor. If a family could not afford a lamb, they could bring birds. The King of Kings was born into a family that could not afford a lamb, yet He was the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world.

As this humble couple walked into the bustling temple courts—likely unnoticed by the busy priests and the crowds—God nudged an old man.

Luke 2:25 introduces him: “And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.”

Simeon wasn’t there by accident. He was prompted by the Spirit to enter the temple at that precise moment. He was walking on a divine appointment that had been decades in the making.

Simeon’s Sight: He Saw the Promise Firsthand

What did Simeon see when he looked at Mary’s baby? To the natural eye, he saw a peasant child, likely wrapped in common cloth, held by a young, poor mother. There was no halo. There was no glow.

But Simeon possessed spiritual sight.

He Saw the Baby (Luke 2:28)

Scripture tells us, “Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God.”

Imagine the tenderness of this moment. This elderly saint, whose hands were likely weathered by years of waiting, held the Maker of the universe against his chest. He beheld the Word made flesh. He touched the very vulnerability of God.

He Saw Salvation (Luke 2:30)

As he looked down, he declared, “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.”

This is a staggering statement. He didn’t say, “I have seen the one who will bring salvation.” He said, “I have seen salvation.” He recognized that God’s rescue plan was not a political strategy or a military conquest; it was embodied in this Child. He saw the cross in the cradle. He saw the fulfillment of every lamb ever slain in that temple.

He Saw Souls Restored (Luke 2:32)

His vision extended far beyond the temple walls. He saw Jesus as “A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”

Most Jews in that day were waiting for a Messiah who would crush the Gentiles (the Romans) and liberate Israel politically.

Simeon saw something bigger.

He saw a universal restoration. He saw a Light that would pierce the darkness of the pagan nations—that includes us—and would ultimately be the true glory of Israel.

Simeon’s Song: He Sang God’s Faithfulness Out Loud

When you see clearly, you cannot help but sing. Simeon’s response is known as the Nunc Dimittis (Latin for “Now you dismiss”). It is a song of profound release.

He Sang Peace (Luke 2:29)

“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.”

The word “depart” here is the language of a sentry being relieved of his watch, or a ship being untied from its moorings to sail home. Simeon is saying, “I can die now. I can go home.

The mission is complete.”

There is no panic in his voice, only the profound contentment of a man who has seen God keep His word. He had lived his life holding onto a promise, and now he was holding the Promise itself.

He Sang Praise (Luke 2:29–32)

This wasn’t a rehearsed liturgy. This was a spontaneous hymn of worship. He blessed God. In the middle of the temple, surrounded by the noise of religious commerce, Simeon created a sanctuary of praise. He thanked God for His mercy, not just to him personally, but to “all people.”

He Sang Prophecy (Luke 2:34-35)

Simeon’s song also contained a sober prophecy. He blessed the parents but then told Mary, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel… (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also).”

Simeon’s song was honest. He knew that this Light would expose darkness. He knew that this Salvation would come at a cost. He sang of the triumph, but he did not ignore the tragedy that would be necessary to purchase it.

Simeon’s Stand: He Stood Firm While Waiting

How did Simeon get to this moment? He didn’t just stumble into spiritual maturity. He stood firm.

He Stood Patient (Luke 2:25)

The text says he was “waiting for the consolation of Israel.”

Waiting is the hardest work of faith. We do not know how long Simeon waited. Some traditions say he was very old; regardless of his age, he lived in a state of active expectation. The “Consolation of Israel” refers to the comfort the Messiah would bring to a hurting nation. While others gave up hope or tried to force political solutions, Simeon waited on God.

He Stood Holy (Luke 2:25)

He is described as “just and devout.”

“Just” refers to his conduct toward men—he was honest, upright, and full of integrity.

 “Devout” refers to his conduct toward God—he was reverent, prayerful, and worshipful.

It is easy to let our standards slip when we are waiting. We think, “God hasn’t shown up yet, so why does it matter?” Simeon stood holy in the silence. He exemplified a life of integrity amid prolonged expectation.

He Stood Expectant (Luke 2:26-27)

“And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost… And he came by the Spirit into the temple.”

Simeon was responsive.

When the Spirit nudged him that morning—perhaps whispering, “Go to the temple today; today is the day”—Simeon didn’t argue. He didn’t say, “I’m too tired,” or “I’ve been there a thousand times, and nothing happened.” He moved. He stood expectant, ready to obey at the appointed time.

Simeon’s Security: He Was Completely Secure in God’s Promise

As we face a new year, often filled with uncertainty about the economy, our health, or our families, we need Simeon’s security.

Sure of God’s Word (Luke 2:26)

He had been “revealed… by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”

Simeon anchored his life on the specific revelation of God. He didn’t hope so; he knew so. The Holy Spirit is the author of assurance. When we have a word from God (and we have the entire Bible!), we can be just as sure as Simeon.

Sure of God’s Plan (Luke 2:32)

Simeon was secure because he understood the scope of God’s plan. He knew that God was saving a people for Himself from every tribe, tongue, and nation. He knew that Israel would not be forsaken forever. This aligns with Paul’s teaching in Romans 11:25-26, that after the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, all Israel shall be saved. Simeon saw the big picture.

Sure of God’s Hope (Luke 2:29)

Simeon was ready to die because he was ready to meet God.

Paul later wrote to Titus about “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

Simeon had seen the first appearing, and it gave him total peace about his departure. A man who holds Jesus in his heart is never afraid of the grave.

Applying Simeon’s Faith to Your New Year

The tree is coming down. The lights are going out. But Simeon calls us to keep our eyes on eternity.

1. Look for Jesus in the Ordinary

Simeon found the Savior in a crowded temple on a Tuesday (or whatever day it was). He recognized God in the ordinary routine of religious duty.

As you go back to work, back to school, and back to the grind, cultivate eyes to recognize Jesus. Seek evidence of His presence in your post-Christmas routines. Where is He working? Who is He touching? Don’t let the familiarity of life blind you to the “Salvation” right in front of you.

2. Keep Singing

The carols may stop playing on the radio, but they shouldn’t stop in your heart. Respond with heartfelt praise amid fading festivities. When the credit card bills from Christmas arrive, or the winter gloom sets in, choose to sing the Nunc Dimittis—a song of peace and contentment. Commit to ongoing worship through song, prayer, or thanksgiving to sustain your joy.

3. Prioritize Holy Waiting

We are all waiting for something. Maybe you are waiting for a spouse, a child, a healing, or a job. Or maybe, like Simeon, you are waiting for the ultimate “Consolation”—the return of the King.

Emulate Simeon’s steadfast patience. Be “just and devout” in 2026. Do not let the delay cause you to drift. Stand firm. Listen for the Spirit’s leading. Be in the right place (spiritually and physically) so that when God moves, you are there to meet Him.

4. Anchor Yourself in God’s Promises

Resolutions fail. Gym memberships get cancelled. Diets are broken. But the Word of God stands forever.

Anchor your confidence in God’s promises. Enter this new year secure in the hope of Christ. You may not know what this year holds, but you know Who holds you. If you have “seen salvation” by placing your faith in Jesus Christ, you have the same security Simeon had. You can face life, and death, with peace.

Closing Reflection

Simeon’s encounter reminds us that Christmas hope is not a seasonal decoration to be boxed up; it is an eternal reality to be lived out. It equips us to live with eyes fixed on Christ’s promises, regardless of what the calendar says.

As we turn the page to a new year, let us pray:

Father, grant us the eyes of Simeon to see Your salvation in our daily lives. Grant us the voice of Simeon to sing Your praise even when the world is quiet. Grant us the strength of Simeon to stand just and devout while we wait. And grant us the security of Simeon, that we might live and die in peace, knowing that our eyes have seen the King. In Jesus’ name, Amen.