Read
Luke 2:21-35
On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
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 custom 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.”
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Reflect
On the day of Jesus’ purification ceremonies, a man named Simeon in Jerusalem, was led by the Holy Spirit to come see Jesus in the temple. When Simeon met the baby Jesus, he was filled with the peace that was missing from his life. When Jesus died on the cross, he gave us the Holy Spirit to guide us through our mortal life. And this passage shows that when we listen and follow the Holy Spirit, our life can be filled with God’s peace.
Pray
Dear Lord, we thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit. Help us to listen to the Spirit and to trust in you because you know us through and through. Let the Holy Spirit guide us into the peace that is your love. Amen.
Sing
Silent Night
Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child;
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight:
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav’nly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior is born!
Christ, the Savior is born!
Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
Amelia Powers