Earlier this week, about 15 people from our church walked the streets of the surrounding neighborhood and sang about the birth of Jesus. Over and over, front doors opened to reveal the delighted faces of people who were glad to hear the songs of Christmas.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation … Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 52:7, 9)

On Sunday mornings, we’ve been unpacking the songs found in the first chapters of the Gospel of Luke. We’ve looked at the songs of Mary and Zechariah, and on Christmas morning we’ll be looking at the song of the Angels. But there’s a fourth song found in Luke, sung by a man named Simeon.

Scripture says he was just and devout, and he was “waiting for the consolation of Israel.” The Holy Spirit had told this faithful waiter that he would not die until he had seen the Savior.

As Mary and Joseph are taking baby Jesus to the Temple to dedicate Him to the Lord, in obedience to the Jewish regulations, the Holy Spirit arranges an encounter with this Simeon. Simeon sees the baby, and just as with the other faithful waiters in the previous chapter, Simeon is filled with the Holy Spirit and begins to praise and prophesy. He sings:

“My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:30-32)

He reveals that Jesus is not only the glory of Israel, but also a light to the Gentiles, who have been grafted into the family of God. If you’re a Jew, this is good news! Your King has come! And if you’re a Gentile, this is good news! You are invited into the family of God through the work of Christ! God loves every nation, tribe, and people. Salvation is for absolutely everyone.

“Mary did you know?” Yes. She knew. She heard the songs and prophecies of Gabriel, Zechariah, Elizabeth, Simeon, Anna, and her husband Joseph. The identity of her child was not a hidden mystery. The Holy Spirit is active and spreading the news through every willing heart.

Do you have a willing heart this season? Will you allow yourself to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to be moved to sing praises and prophetic songs that declare that the King of Kings has come?