With Simeon, though, all of what Elizabeth, Mary and Zechariah have sung about is wrapped up – or unwrapped, if you’d rather – in the Child that he holds in his arms. Simeon’s song is the song of release; the song of joyful self-surrender to the Sovereign Lord who has kept His promise of a Savior, because of which Simeon can now depart this world in peace. Luke 2:28-35 28 Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about Him. 34 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, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 12:45:45 +0000