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

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'My Father Sent Me!' (Jn. 7:28-29)
"While Jesus was teaching in the Temple, he called out, "Yes, you know me, and you know where I come from. But I'm not here on my own. The one who sent..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Divine Direction' (Acts 10:4-6)
"Cornelius stared at [the angel] in terror. "What is it, sir?" he asked the angel. And the angel replied, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
1 Chronicles 28:9
""And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God's Gift, Jesus' Sacrifice, Our Life!'
"For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in..."

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