God's Holy Fire: 'Revealed by the Spirit'

Thursday, December 24, 2026

It had been revealed to [Simeon] by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah.
— Luke 2:26 NIV

Key Thought

I do not know how the Spirit's revelation to Simeon was accomplished. Nevertheless, I am thankful for God's grace in giving this revelation to him. Simeon was such a wonderful and strong man of character. In his old age, he was given this special grace because God had sustained him through a special promise from the Holy Spirit. The promise to Simeon reminds me of another promise about God's sustaining us: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Corinthians 4:16-17). The Spirit of God not only renews and sustain us; the Holy Spirit also transforms us to become more and more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18; Titus 3:5).

Today's Prayer

O Father, I don't just want to grow older; I want to be transformed to be more and more like Jesus. Fill me and mold me and empower me by your Holy Spirit as I offer myself to you as a living sacrifice. In Jesus' name, I ask this. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Led by the Spirit
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple for his dedication,] there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was..."
The Spirit's Moment
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"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....."
On Tiptoes with Angels
Article by Phil Ware
Christmas, like the coming of Jesus, is about waiting! Phil Ware begins a five-part series on Jesus at Christmas. This week is focused on waiting for Jesus to come.
Dedicated to God
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Friend, As you begin your New Year, I want to challenge you to dedicate yourself and this year to honor Us — Father, Son, and Spirit. Be....."
See All 8 Related Resources about Luke 2:26

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 2:26 NIV — It had been revealed to [Simeon] by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, December 24, 2026

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Don't Let These Truths Elude You!'
"Dear Follower, I love to tell stories from everyday life and connect them to heavenly truths. There is a reason for that. You can remember stories..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'With Their Faces to the Ground' (Re. 7:11-12)
"And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'A Good Place to Start' (Jn. 3:1-2)
"There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. "Rabbi," he said,...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Rock of My Salvation' (Ro. 9:25-33)
"Dear Father, ruler of the ages, You have called we who were "not your people" to be "your people," we who were "not your beloved" to be "your..."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations