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.” [NRSV]
Devotion
The Song of Simeon brings back fond memories for me. In the summer of my teenage years, I used to travel to Montreat, NC for the annual Music Conference. In that clear mountain air, I became part of a three hundred voice youth choir. One year our choir was directed by Donald Plott. He was the choral director for Davidson College and a real heartthrob for the girls attending. We sang the version of the Song of Simeon written by Alex Hegenbart, but before we began our rehearsal, Mr. Plott told us the story of Simeon (and also Anna from Luke 2: 36-38).Scripture tells us that Simeon was a man both righteous and devout who had been waiting for the “Consolation of Israel”. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ. He was moved by the Spirit to come to the temple on the very day Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to be consecrated to the Lord. Imagine waiting all your life for something and seeing it walk right in your door! What joy! Mary and Joseph were doing what good Jewish parents should. Scripture says they marveled at what was said about the child. They were probably astonished to see the joy their new baby caused. The Hegenbart version begins with a soft swelling prayer, “Lord now let thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word.” And finishes with a resounding, “Alleluia!” What a great joining of the generations to celebrate the birth of the Christ! Life was at its end for Simeon and Anna and life was just beginning for Jesus.