Day after day he waited.  Every day began with the question, "Could this be the day?"  Every day ended with the hope, "Maybe tomorrow."  For Simeon had a burning desire to see the promised Messiah, the "consolation of Israel."  The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ.  So as the sun rose in the east he asked the question once again, "Could this be the day?"

     Something within him seemed to urge him toward the Temple today.  Maybe the Holy Spirit wanted to show him something.  Or somebody.  "Could this be the day?" he asked as he set off for the Temple grounds.  And as he walked, three others were moving steadily toward the same spot...

     More than forty days had passed since Jesus had been born in the Bethlehem stable.  When he was eight days old, he was circumcised and named.  Now he was being taken by Mary and Joseph to the Temple in Jerusalem so several requirements of the Law could be met.  Jesus, as a first born, must be presented to the Lord and bought back, or redeemed.  And Mary had to make an offering for her purification after child birth.

     Simeon was already there when they arrived with Jesus.  There were many others there also.  The Temple was very large and many people came for various purposes every day.  He watched and waited, listening for the inner voice of the Spirit.  And when he saw them, he knew.  His wait was over.

     Quickly he made his way to where they were standing, and asked if he might see the child.  Something about the man may have reassured them.  Or maybe it was just the Holy Spirit in total control.  Whatever it was, Mary let him take Jesus without fear.

     There was such a sense of fulfillment in his heart as he held that little boy in his arms.  "This is the day!  This is the one!  The search is ended, the journey done."

     He turned his face toward heaven and blessed God, and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

     Simeon's song was a song of satisfaction, of a journey ended, of a heart at peace.  A fitting climax to the Songs of the Season, because it is the song of all in this blessed season who have seen Him and held Him close in love.