Second Sunday After Christmas
Lord Jesus Christ,
you see how bent over we are
Under the weight of the world’s habits.
Unburden us
Clear the path within our soul
Lift up our heads to see you
Our hearts to love you
And welcome You.
Second Sunday after Christmas
Our lectionary guide leads us into Luke’s narrative (2:21-38) and so into the temple at Jerusalem. Joseph and Mary are there, holding the infant Jesus, bringing an offering of two birds. It is the law – to bring to God the first born son, and to present him to God for God’s guidance and purposes for his life. Obedient to the law of Moses and the tradition of their people, here they stand, unaware of how God’s purposes will unfold for this new born baby they offer to God.
An elderly man also enters the temple, and walks slowly towards them. Led by the Spirit, Simeon has been looking forward to the coming of the Messiah and God’s restoration of his people Israel. The Holy Spirit has told him that he will not die before he has seen the Coming One, and now, as he approaches Mary and Joseph he knows who their tiny child is: God’s Anointed. Taking the baby in his arms, Simeon turns his attention to God, and prays:
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared for all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”
Joseph and Mary are amazed at what they hear as Simeon prays. But now it is time for them to be led more deeply into the purposes of God for this little one. Now Simeon turns to them and blesses them. (All parents need to be blessed as they begin the life-giving and surprising journey of raising a child. Only in the sustaining love and shelter of God can any parent weather the challenges and gifts each child brings.) But this child, this Jesus, brings more disruption and change than any child into the world. Turning to Mary, Simeon says:
“This child is destined for the
falling and the rising of many in Israel,
and to be a sign
that will be opposed
so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed -
and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
God among us, Emmanuel, is not embraced and welcomed by all.
“He was in the world,
and the world came into being through him;
yet the world did not know him.
He came to his own,
and his own people did not accept him.
But to all who received him,
who believed in his name,
He gave power to become children of God . . . “
John 1:10-12
This child exposes our addictions, brings into the full light of day those things we attach ourselves to at any cost. His presence threatens our way of life in the world, even as he offers freedom from captivity and slavery. Addiction is fearful of such freedom – and can be violent in its reaction. Violence will enter the gospel narrative. Jesus is a sign that will be opposed. And the inner thoughts of many will be made known. But the blessing of God holds this couple even as Simeon returns the baby to them to hold. And the blessing and purposes of God hold us, even as we hold Jesus in our hearts. We are held in the greater purposes of God to bring light, love, healing, and hope in this violent and grieving world.
With Simeon, we can bless all who carry the presence of Jesus within them. Each of us is a sign of Emmanuel, who blesses friend and enemy alike. For such is the way of Jesus.
Season of Advent: week 3
- 12/28 Monday: Luke 2:21-27
- 12/29 Tuesday: Luke 2:28-38
- 12/30 Wednesday: Psalm 97
- 12/31 Thursday: Jeremiah 31:7-14
- 1/1/2010 Friday: Ephesians 1:3-14
- 1/2 Saturday: Luke 2:21-38
- 1/3 Sunday: John 1:1-18
Silent Reflection:
Offer the prayer of your heart.