The focus of 1 John is the love of God, which reaches perfection in those obedient to God's word. No one could say they loved God unless they obeyed God's commandments. The commandment that was especially important to the author was that of love. Those who hated another believer were considered blind and walking in darkness. On the other hand, those who loved others walked in the light and would not stumble. This "true light" is a reference to Jesus being the light of the world. These words echo Christ's commandment in the Gospel of John to love one another.

The presentation of Jesus in the Temple was an important event. Mary and Joseph were devout followers of their Jewish religion and were obeying the law. Simeon had believed the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah and he recognized that Jesus was the one for whom he waited. He acclaimed Jesus as the "light" for the Gentiles as well as the Israelites. Jesus would be the Saviour of the entire world, not just the Jewish people. This was a bittersweet occasion for Mary and Joseph; after the hymn of celebration and blessing the family, Simeon revealed that there would be difficult times ahead for Jesus and sadness for Mary as well. Simeon was a man of deep faith, patience, courage and love for God.