Waiting With a Hopeful Heart | October 21st, 2026

Luke 2:25-35
25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

    29      “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
    According to Your word;
    30      For my eyes have seen Your salvation
    31      Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
    32      A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
    And the glory of Your people Israel.”

33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

John 14:16-17
16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

Simeon waited his entire life for one moment, and he did not grow bitter in the waiting. He remained just, devout, and expectant. The Holy Spirit was upon him, sustaining his hope when circumstances offered little comfort. Israel was under Roman occupation. The world was dark. Yet Simeon looked for the Comforter of Israel with confidence, not despair. We too are in a season of waiting for the Lord's return. The danger is not the waiting itself but the slow cooling of our hearts while we wait. Stay close to the Spirit. Stay expectant.