Reflection for December 29
1 JOHN 2:3-11
The way we may be sure that we know Jesus
is to keep his commandments.
…
This is the way we may know that we are in union with him:
whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk just as he walked.
…
for the darkness is passing away,
and the true light is already shining.
LUKE 2:22-35
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
…
he took him into his arms and blessed God
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The New Testament is hidden in the old, and the Old Testament is revealed in the new.
Before Jesus could speak, Simeon kept His commandments.
Before Jesus could walk, Simeon walked as He walked.
By following His commandments, Simeon already had a relationship with Jesus.
Simeon only met Jesus one time, yet he knew him so clearly. He was led by the Spirit and recognized Jesus, and his first reaction was to bless God. Simeon’s blessing is one of such awe and trust in God, and an inspiration for how to walk with God. He was “righteous and devout” and was able to see God’s presence in others. Just as Samuel was able to look past all of Jesse’s eldest sons and was directed by God to anoint David as king, so too Simeon has such a relation with God that he sees not just a baby like all the others, but the Messiah, the King of Kings – by the grace of God he was able to see what was not visible, yet so fully present.
May we embrace God’s commandments in earnest and walk as Jesus walked so that we too may come into a relationship with Jesus; not merely look for Jesus, but to truly see His presence in our midst. Let us never cease praising and blessing God for His glory and His gift freely given for us all, for His light to the world.
Peter DePaola, Jr.