“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 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 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.”
25 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. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 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, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother marvelled 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.” 36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:22-38 NIV
God of consolation,
Beginnings and endings, and we approach the birth of the new year. We remember the beginnings of Jesus who would be the the firstborn of the dead (Colossians 1:18). Two doves sacrificed to consecrate Him according to the law. He went on to fulfill the law. And we worship You knowing there is now no veil of the law to separate us from You, the end to endless sacrifices for sin. No priests to go through. We can begin to worship You in Spirit and in Truth and You accept us, wash us clean and pure and love us completely.
There are moments when scripture jumps off the page and moments we understand You clearly. Simeon and Anna had the amazing joy of seeing the baby Jesus and absolutely knowing He would become the consolation of Israel. The redemption of Israel. Hanging around the Temple, God’s house, every day, praying. Had it become monotonous? No they were there at the right time. Just two ordinary people but God centred. And they did not miss their moment. What an honour, to pray for baby Jesus at the start of His life.
Thank you for these two ordinary people who had an extraordinary experience because they kept their eyes on You. Help us to have blessed experiences as we wait for You to come again. Help us to honour each other, as we honour Simeon and Anna, for their insight and prayers.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
God of consolation,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For blessings and good health and joy.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families, our government and their families.
For peacemakers everywhere. In governments, in families, in churches, in disputes.
For all areas where there is war and oppression to have peace and a new way forward. For Gaza and the Middle East, Ukraine, Afghanistan, North Korea.
For refugees everywhere. From danger, war and oppression. From abusive relationships and slavery.
For grandparents and relatives who help care for children.
For Your church as they plan for the coming year to worship You, grow and do good.
For ourselves, for a blessed day whether it be busy or quiet. And a blessed night of rest.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 30th December 2023
Master, speak! Thy servant heareth,
Waiting for Thy gracious word,
Longing for Thy voice that cheereth
Master, let it now be heard.
I am listening, Lord, for Thee;
What hast Thou to say to me?
Speak to me by name, O Master,
Let me know it is to me;
Speak, that I may follow faster,
With a step more firm and free,
Where the Shepherd leads the flock
In the shadow of the Rock!
Master, speak! though least and lowest,
Let me not unheard depart;
Master, speak! for oh, Thou knowest
All the yearning of my heart.
Knowest all its truest need;
Speak! and make me blest indeed.
Master, speak! and make me ready,
When Thy voice is truly heard,
With obedience glad and steady,
Still to follow every word
I am listening, Lord, for Thee:
Master, speak, oh, speak to me!
Francis Ridley Havergal
CD: The Hymn Makers, Cecil Frances Alexander & Frances Ridley Havergal, Kingsway Music