Advent 23rd December

At this time a man named Simeon was living in Jerusalem. Simeon was a good man. He loved God and was waiting for God to save the people of Israel. God’s Spirit came to him and told him that he would not die until he had seen Christ the Lord. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to do what the Law of Moses says should be done for a new baby, the Spirit told Simeon to go into the temple. Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms and praised God, “Lord, I am your servant,  and now I can die in peace, because you have kept your promise to me. With my own eyes I have seen what you have done to save your people, and foreign nations will also see this. Your mighty power is a light for all nations, and it will bring honour to your people Israel.”  Luke 2:25-32

Readings:

Psalm 139

Luke 2:25-32
Nunc Dimittis

Reflection

Do we long to encounter Jesus the way Simeon longed to encounter Jesus? It had been revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the consolation of Israel. Jesus was the One who would take away Israel’s sorrow and set the people free! Finally, word came of a child born in a cattle stall. The long-expected Christ? Simeon had been waiting so very long for this moment! Once he finally held Jesus in his arms, he was literally content to depart in peace. Meaning in life had been fulfilled. What about us? Compared to Simeon, is our desire for Jesus as real.  When we have our quiet times, do we find ourselves literally sauntering into the presence of Christ. Sometimes do we have trouble staying focused! Do you think Simeon had trouble staying focused when he encountered Christ? I don’t think so! Jesus is our consolation…He is our comforter…He is the One who can take away all our sorrow! This Advent, let us rejoice that the One whose glories knew no end would leave those glories and be born in a manger in order to rescue a people for Himself, a people who are sometimes way to casual about their relationship with God  - may our lives and hearts be stirred like Simeon’s.

  

Prayers 

Lord, give me a heart that never forgets your love; to remain in your love whatever I do, whether I am asleep or awake, whether I work or rest. 

May the flame of your eternal love never be quenched in my heart; let it grow and brighten, till my whole soul is  glowing and shining with its light and warmth.

Amen