To an old man looking for the "consolation of Israel," Christmas would have been on that day when he stood in the temple and held the Christ-child in his arms. The old man’s name was Simeon. The good Book doesn’t tell much about him except that he was righteous and devout. But then if a man is characterized by those words, he must have lived well.

As we approach the Christmas celebration, perhaps we can learn a few lessons from this old gentleman that will enhance the glow of the holidays. In fact, in a day when there is almost an idolatry of youth, it is good to balance up the scales by looking and listening to the wisdom of the experienced elderly.

Simeon kept plodding along anticipating a happening. It had been told him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen…