See the Savior

Many people saw only a baby, but Simeon and Anna saw salvation.

We like to think that we are observant and notice things — at least things other people miss.

We notice when someone takes the spot we always park in, our go-to restaurant changes the menu, or the grocery store moves our kid’s favorite snack to a different aisle. We notice when the preacher repeats a story again and again. We notice when a family member says, “I’m fine,” in that tone that means, “I am absolutely not fine, and you should know that by now.”

We notice the things that matter to us.

Parents notice every nuance of a cough in the next room, and they definitely notice the Lego on the floor in the middle of the night. Teachers notice the student who is suddenly quiet. Coaches notice the kid who is pretending not to be hurt. Pastors notice when someone quietly leaves the service before the benediction because grief has a way of making the sanctuary feel both too full and empty at the same time.

Despite all the things we notice,...