Around this time of year people throughout the world think about baby Jesus. Thoughts of the newborn King reminded me of a short segment in my book Embracing Hope During Infertility, where I ponder Simeon, a man who waited for many years for one certain baby. Here is the excerpt from the book:

Luke 2:25–35 tells the story of Simeon, who was a godly man awaiting the consolation of Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had showed him that he would not die before he saw the Messiah. On the day that Joseph and Mary brought baby Jesus into the temple, Simeon picked Him up and praised God.

Simeon had waited for many years to set his eyes on a certain miracle baby. I wonder if people knew that he was waiting. I wonder if those around him thought he was crazy for thinking he would see this promise come to pass in his lifetime. Did he look like a fool, day after day watching and waiting for this promise to become reality?

Sometimes I wonder if people think that the stance of hope, faith, and expectation that Mike and I are taking is foolish. Don’t people say that insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome? Do people think we’re crazy for waiting and still hoping?

Simeon heard from God. He had faith in God’s promise. He watched and waited.

The One for whom Simeon waited would be the consolation of Israel. Obviously, our future child will not be Jesus. Our child, however, will be a gift from God. And in a sense, our child will be a consolation, which Webster defines as a “comfort received by a person after a loss or disappointment.” Our future child will bring comfort to our empty arms – in the end we will not be disappointed.

Betsy Herman lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her husband, Mike. They have been married since 2008. Together they enjoy exploring new cities on foot, eating at their favorite Italian restaurants, and doing life as a team. Betsy published her first book Embracing Hope During Infertility this year. You can learn more about her story here. She invites you to follow her Hope During Infertility Facebook page or her Betsy Herman, Writer Facebook page.