Boxing Day - Dismiss your Servant in Peace

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah,. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the customs of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God,  Saying: ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have  prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for  revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your  people Israel.’  Luke 2: 25-32

Reflection

 

By boxing day most of us want to put Christmas behind us, we are already contemplating what to do with the cards, trees and wondering about recycling (or at least we really ought to be). 

Joseph and Mary treat the new baby according to the Jewish traditions of their day: he is  circumcised and then, forty days after the birth, Mary and Joseph take the child to the Temple in Jerusalem for Mary’s ritual purification and Jesus’ dedication to God as the firstborn son. They meet two people Simeon and Anna. Simeon is told he will not die until he has met the Messiah and Anna recognises the baby as the fulfilment of God’s promises to Israel.

God uses those who are older, they have hope in the will and purposes of God and shows how “religious duty” is not incompatible to the work of the Holy Spirit.

In a world where our significance can often feel reduced to insignificance we need to remember Anna and Simeon.

Prayer 

Lord, be like treasure to me this Christmas.
Let me be willing to listen when I'm told of your glory.
Take away my fear and bring me peace.
Whatever else I may receive let me be glad to accept you into my life and to share you with those around me.

Let the greatest gift of all simply be you. Amen.