Simeon and Anna: Patient Waiting

As we get closer to Christmas, let's talk about two people who were not part of the chaos but part of the quiet, patient anticipation: Simeon and Anna.

They were two elderly saints who spent their lives waiting in the Temple for the promised Messiah. When Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple for the purification ceremony, Simeon and Anna finally received their reward.

Luke 2:25 (KJV) says Simeon was "just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him."

Think about that phrase: "waiting for the consolation of Israel." He wasn't just passively waiting; he was actively expecting God to fulfill His promise, and the Holy Ghost was upon him for his faithfulness.