Beauty and Peace
Rembrandt van Rijn (1606 – 1669), Simeon’s Song of Praise (1631), oil on panel (61 × 48 cm) — 1631, Mauritshuis, The Hague
Waiting in Hope With Simeon
(Advent Series, Part 2)
One thing I asked of the Lord; this I seek: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, And to behold the beauty of the Lord. (Psalm 27:4 NRSV)
What does it mean to you to behold the beauty of the LORD? In preparation for this week’s Advent reflection, I have pondered a lot about hope, beauty, and peace and their connection to the story of Simeon. Last week we explored the importance of Simeon's character, highlighting his faithfulness in believing the promises of God during a time of waiting. Simeon believed in the promise that he would encounter the Messiah before his death and, in the hope of this promise, he faithfully listened and was guided by the Holy Spirit to the temple, where he was able to behold the beauty of Christ.
Simeon, holding Jesus in his arms, praised God, saying,, "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." (Luke 2:28-32 NRSV)
Cultivating a Posture of Beholding
Beholding Immanuel captured Simeon's heart, mind, body, and soul. In this beautiful moment, Simeon fully recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Salvation, Light, and Glory for all Creation. Imagine the awe that filled Simeon, holding what he knew was the most beautiful gift ever given. While onlookers may have seen just another infant, Simeon immediately knew his greatest hope was fulfilled in the presence of baby Jesus. Simeon left the temple that day and every day till the end of his life, continually beholding the beauty and peace of Christ in every part of his being.
The statement was made in last week’s article that “to hope is to believe in a better future for the world, where the lie that we are alone gives way to the truth we are seen, known, and loved.” Hanging out in nature is a great way to experience hope and the beauty and peace it brings. Paying attention to the workings of the universe allows us to witness hope. We hope for renewal through fall and winter which leads to new life in spring and summer. We look at the sun, moon, and stars and hope for rest in the evening and energy in our mornings. The beauty we behold when looking at a sunrise or sunset, walking through crunching leaves in the fall, or sitting near a still lake with a magnificent reflection of the trees and sky around it does something to our souls. In these captured moments of beauty we experience peace, even if just for a moment.
Over the years, the Lord has given me words, images, songs, and sometimes tangible reminders of His presence that continue to bring me hope as I wait for the desires of my heart. What to others may look like nothing special represents beautiful treasures that, when beheld, bring me peace that surpasses all understanding. A tiny brown bird, a little worn bible written in the Georgian language, and a small plate with two fish and five loaves are just a few of my valuables that are precious reminders of grace from the Lord that I am seen, known, and loved.
The Sustaining Nature of Beauty and Peace
The beauty of being seen, known, and loved can sustain our peace in times of suffering. Suffering disorients us; we all have seasons when hope feels impossible to access. Actively pursuing beauty in a time of sorrow is a profound act of hope. We can hope as we hold on to the promise that "the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalms 34:18 NRSV)
The beauty of the LORD is that in entering the world in human flesh, Jesus became one of us experiencing everything we do, even death. His death shattered the power of evil that invaded Eden, replacing the darkness of sin and death with a promise of light and Life.
Jesus came to comfort all who mourn. Our promise in the coming of Christ is a crown of beauty instead of ashes and joy instead of mourning. In this season of waiting, we can experience profound peace, believing that through Immanuel, God is with us, giving strength, endurance, and hope so that no matter what we experience in our lives, we can hold on to peace. Seeking and beholding the beauty of Christ in both suffering and joy invites us to live now with the greatest hope, beauty, and peace in the future restoration of Creation.
As you continue to hold on to hope this Advent season, ask God for eyes to see and observe the beauty around you this week. Be intentional about looking for things that have deep meaning and beauty. When you behold these treasures, allow yourself to be immersed in them so that even if just for a moment, you experience a glimpse of our promised eternity in the coming of Christ to the world. As a servant of the Lord, may you, like Simeon, behold the beauty of Immanuel, who is with you always. May your whole being experience peaceful rest in the beauty surrounding you.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NRSV)
Reflection Practice and Questions:
In hope, we look for beauty. Keep a list of the beautiful things the Lord wishes you to notice this Advent season.
Take a few minutes to listen and reflect on the words to this song: What A Beautiful Name (Lyric Video) - Hillsong Worship. What line stands out to you? Where do these words intersect with your life, offering hope, beauty, and peace?
What do you think or feel that the Lord is inviting you to notice this week of Advent? How would you like to respond to the beauty you are beholding with God?
LifePoint is a community of soul care providers who wholly believe that community is essential to healthy Christ-centered spiritual formation and transformation. If you sense the Lord inviting you to walk with a spiritual director, mentor, or coach, we would be honored to listen and journey with you.