“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.’“
Luke 2:28-35

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DECEMBER 26, 2024

When I was 10 years old, I had a porcelain clown that had been a gift from someone I don’t even remember. It was delicate and lovely, but it wasn’t a favorite possession. That summer, when my family and I were on furlough visiting churches in the United States, someone got the idea that I loved clowns. They surprised me by throwing a huge clown-themed birthday party. I received more clown gifts than I knew existed. There was a clown cake, clown balloons, and people dressed in clown costumes. I was humbled by their generosity, but embarrassed because…I really didn’t like clowns that much.

The birth of the long-awaited Messiah was meant to bring joy, celebration, and comfort. Israel had survived centuries of pain, but now the Messiah is born!

If it were me holding the newborn Messiah at the temple, I would probably want to shout: “Hey everyone! The Messiah is here! Everything is going to be ok! We’re going to be safe, and warm and not in pain, and we’ll have plenty of money and food and happiness all the time!”

But that is not what Simeon says. The words of rejoicing and comfort he speaks are a bit different. He declares that this Messiah is a rescuer for all people, for the Jews and for their despised enemies, the Gentiles. He proclaims that this Messiah will cause both the rise and fall of people in Israel, that the thoughts of hearts will be revealed.

I don’t know about you, but to me this sound ominous. Why does this message feel like a gift we weren’t wanting?

Yet, after thousands of years of lying to ourselves and lying to those around us, God’s bright, burning truth will be made known. He has come to rescue us from ourselves…and that is such a very, very good thing!

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • How is this joy-worthy news?
  • How is it good news that Jesus came not to satisfy your desires but to shine a light on who you really are and rescue you from yourself?

 

Church Reading Plan: Zechariah 13:2-9; John 16