Luke 2:22-40 (NRSV)
Read Luke 2:22-40 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord Verse 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), Verse 24and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."
Verse 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. Verse 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Verse 27Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Verse 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, Verse 29"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; Verse 30for my eyes have seen your salvation, Verse 31which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, Verse 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." Verse 33And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Verse 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed Verse 35so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-and a sword will pierce your own soul too." Verse 36There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, Verse 37then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. Verse 38At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Verse 39When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Verse 40The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Devotion
Simeon had an experience that perhaps many of us long for in our life—to see or know the future. God revealed to him the fulfillment of God's promise before his death. Simeon understood what God was doing, even what would befall Jesus and Mary, and what that meant for the future. Now that was truly a marvelous gift. This Christmas perhaps you were missing a loved one—someone who at their death had received the fulfillment of God's promise to them at their baptism. But then it was at the grave side when you heard that promise shared again with you as well. Simeon understood that the message of Jesus was good news, especially for the living, because those who had died were already in the presence of God. In this time after Christmas, may you be reminded of the promise that comes in Jesus Christ—now and forever!
Prayer
Eternal Lord, you give us the gift of life. Help us to hear more clearly the promise that you have given to us. The promise that while on this journey of life and faith we may journey with you, and continue in your presence for all eternity. Help us not to keep the message of the good news to ourselves, but to share it in our words and lives with all whom we encounter. Amen.