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

And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 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 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

We learn from this passage that Simeon was waiting to see Christ! He knew, by the Holy Spirit, that he would see the Consolation of Israel in his lifetime, so he was watching for Jesus!

Simeon and Anna were both looking for Jesus. They were rewarded for their devotion, and they each gave thanks to God at His fulfillment of the promise of a Messiah.

We, too, have a promise to watch for.

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:2-3)

Jesus promised to return again! Like Simeon and Anna, we don't know when that time will come. But we do know that God always fulfills his promises!