Hope is Eternal (Luke 2:25-38)
by Peggy Huber
We typically use the word hope in a wishful-thinking, fingers-crossed kind of way, as in “I hope I get _________ for Christmas.” The Bible, however, speaks of a hope that is entirely different—a confident, unquestionable assurance that something promised or expected will truly happen.
Simeon and Anna are two people in the Christmas story who embody this kind of hope that is both sure and eternal. (Luke 2:25-38) God had previously told Simeon that he would not die before seeing the promised Messiah. He is described as “righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel.” When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple, Simeon took Him in his arms, declaring, “Now Lord, let Your servant depart… for my eyes have seen Your salvation.” The passage goes on to say, at that very moment the elderly widow Anna came up, thanking God for the child. She then “continued to speak of Him to all who were looking for the redemption of Israel.”
During this season that is full of many distractions, may we choose to be like Simeon and Anna—with our eyes and hearts fixed on the hope that is eternal—because He on whom we have set our hope is eternal.
Additional Resources
Listen to Hope Was Born This Night
Read Everlasting Hope
