Waiting in Hope

<p>In the movie <em>Hachi</em>: A Dog&#8217;s Tale, a college professor befriended a stray Akita puppy named Hachi. The dog expressed his loyalty by waiting at the train station each day for the professor to return from work. One day, the professor suffered a fatal stroke. Hachi waited hours at the train station, and for the next ten years he returned each day&mdash;awaiting His loving master.</p> <p>Luke tells the story of a man named Simeon who patiently waited for the coming of his Master (Luke 2:25). The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not see death until he saw the Messiah (v. 26). As a result, Simeon kept waiting for the One that would provide &ldquo;salvation&rdquo; for God&rsquo;s people (v. 30). When Mary and Joseph entered the temple with Jesus, the Holy Spirit whispered to Simeon, &ldquo;Yes! This is the One!&rdquo; The wait was finally over! Simeon held Christ in his arms&mdash;the hope, salvation, and comfort for all people (vv. 28&ndash;32).</p> <p>If we find ourselves in a season of waiting, may we hear the words of the prophet Isaiah with fresh ears: &ldquo;But those who hope&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31). As we await Jesus&rsquo; return, He provides the hope and strength we need for each new day.</p>