Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) – Simeon in The Temple

NOW THERE WAS A MAN IN JERUSALEM … righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. Righteous and devout. Inside and out (Luke 2).

Righteously present to God in Jerusalem’s Temple. Devoutly present to God in his own inner temple. Expectant: looking forward to the consolation of God’s people. On the look-out for new life. So the Holy Spirit rested on and in him.

Good, prayerful, hopeful. And thus able to see the fulfilment of all the promise of God, for all creation, in one five pound baby, and therefore, thereafter, in any baby. New life and light, the promise of a future, to lighten all “the descendants of Abraham” (Hebrews 2.14-18). Consolation. For me and you. Going, then, or staying, we may be at peace.