Day 24

Luke 2: 28-32

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,

   according to your word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation,

   which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

   and for glory to your people Israel.’

Nunc Dimittis

Simeon, a devout man of great patience, has for many years looked forward to God’s “consolation” – the deliverance and salvation God has promised to his people. Imagine his delight, then, when he meets and embraces his Saviour, the tiny baby Jesus. He pours out his joy in a spontaneous song of thankfulness and insight. Simeon’s song has become well-known and well-loved in its own right: the “Nunc dimittis,” as it’s often called, from the first two words of the Latin translation.

Not unlike the shepherds who welcomed Jesus on the first Christmas night, Simeon was probably an ordinary enough man. If he had been a priest or official, Luke would have mentioned it. What he does have is a strong faith and an openness to the Spirit and wonder of God. And in his life-changing song, Simeon recognises in Jesus the Saviour not just of Israel, but of the whole world. The baby Simeon holds in his arms has come to bring us love, life and hope, no matter who we are or where we live. May we welcome him into our lives afresh this Christmas.

Martin