A Thrill Of Hope.
Week #1: Simeon.
O Holy Night.
“Long lay the world in sin and error pining till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”
Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.” I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For 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.” The child’s father and mother marvelled at what was said about him.
Romans 15:12-13
Luke 2:25-33
Romans.
The meaning of ‘Advent’ is a time of imminent arrival, the certain prospect of expectation being fulfilled, a fuelled sense of anticipation. The Season of Advent ahead of Christmas is a time to reconnect with the anticipation and expectation of the promised Messiah’s arrival. As we do this, it can help us to reflect on what waiting means within our faith. We wait for God to fulfil his promises for us. We wait for God to heal us. We wait for the salvation of a loved one. We wait for Christ’s return.
Why is Hope such an important ingredient of Biblical waiting? What role does Hope play in helping us with waiting well?
Do you have encouraging stories or experiences of having waited with hope that you can share with the group? (What happened during the waiting? What sustained you? What was the outcome of the waiting?)
Luke.
From this passage, can you identify what role the Holy Spirit plays in Simeon’s waiting and his encounter with Jesus?
What can we learn from this for our own wait and encounter?
From this passage, can you identify words that relate to sight, seeing, and revelation?
Why do you think it is enough for Simeon to simply see the infant Jesus, without experiencing Jesus’ saving work when he’s grown up?
Consider how ‘seeing’ Christ brings the thrill of hope, fuels your anticipation, and increases your expectation. In what ways can we take time during Advent to gaze into the face of Christ through prayer, worship, and scripture?
Pray for one another.
Take time to pray together (in pairs or groups) in response to the above.