Scriptures Sing of Christmas: An Old Man Sings

Simeon lived with a promise… that before his death his eyes would see the promise of God’s Messiah.  We do not know how long Simeon lived with this promise.  We actually do not know much about him.  Luke tells us only the essentials in the later portion of Chapter 2 of his gospel. 

We do learn that Simeon was expecting, waiting with great hope.  He may have been an old man, but he was not dwelling in the past, but leaning deep into the vision of God’s future.  

Because of his faithfulness and through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, Simeon recognized God at work in a small little peasant family when they entered the temple in Jerusalem.

Simeon’s response to the baby Jesus was a glorious song!  “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.” (Luke 2:29-32)

Many churches sing this as a benediction at the close of their evening worship services.  Perhaps there could be no more fitting blessing for the end of the day, “Now let thy servant depart in peace… for I have seen thy salvation.”  As a pastor I wish all worshippers might make such a bold claim as they depart from worship!  I hope each of us might know we are ready to depart, because we have truly taken hold of God’s free gift of Jesus, and are confident in God’s love for each of us. 

But when Simeon spoke these words, they were not just a closing prayer for worship or the end of the day.  This was Simeon’s benediction to his life!!  He was ready to die.  But all he has seen was a baby, you say?!  Well, yes.  God’s Messiah in a vulnerable infant. 

Notice that Simeon did not get a visit from an angel like Mary.  He did not hear an angel chorus like the shepherds.  There was not star for him to follow.  Simeon had a conviction deep in his heart and was prompted by the Holy Spirit.  When he saw the Babe of Bethlehem, he believed.  May we have such conviction as we approach the cradle of our King!

See you at the singing place,

Pastor Michelle

Scriptures Sing of Christmas: Concert in a Field

Consider with me the audience who attended the first Christmas concert out in the fields.  This was not large mass throng.  There are not a VIP room.  No fancy tuxedos.  There may have been furs, but not the kind one would find in a store!  

These were shepherds.  And shepherds were people whose occupation often gave them a bad reputation.  Shepherds were not even allowed to give testimony in a courts of law during those days.  These bad boys were considered that unreliable. 

If today a major one-of-a-kind concert where to be performed for a select, sparse nondescript audience, someone would surely say, “what a waste!”  Artists like to perform for an audience who have the knowledge and capacity to appreciate the finer points of what they perform. 

But the angels who sang in the first Christmas concert for rugged shepherds sang not just to consider a possible “diamond in the rough” among those shepherds.  I think the power of God within this story is that the angels sang for this simple audience to show you and I that every person is a diamond in God’s sight.  God’s angels sang for shepherds, not because one has the latent capacity to appreciate what is happening, but simply because they are human beings.

God’s love and salvation are offered to all persons. That is the gift of Jesus.  Proof of merit is not required.  Evidence for potential future achievements is not requested.  This is what we call grace.  The first Christmas concert came to shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks by night because God loves them.  And God loves you and I too.

See you at the singing place,

Pastor Michelle

Scriptures Sing of Christmas: Mary's Song

Once upon a time, a teenage girl gave the whole world a song!  Indirectly, she has inspired thousands of songs because poets, composers and artists have been uplifted by her song and her story.  But this teen gave us a simple song. 

Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Sometimes I wish you and I could know her better.  Who was she, really? Was she a shy little thing or a tough, peasant farm girl?  Girlie girl?  There is so much we do not know- but what we do know from Luke’s account is that one day in the middle of her engagement to a carpenter, Mary’s life got interrupted.

A grand and frightening interruption by an angel, no less!  Gabriel announces to Mary that she has been chosen by God to conceive and bear a son, whose name shall be called Jesus.  After the announcement is not the time for her song.  Instead, Mary asks the angel questions, receives some answers, and then she sets out. 

Pay attention to the details, Mary is not a teenage runaway.  She does not run away from this news, but instead runs to a trusted, dear kinswoman in her family.  And a family member who is pregnant too!  I am not sure about you but aunties can be an amazing resource of wisdom and support.  I know that I have been blessed to have a dear friend in my favorite auntie.

When Mary greets Elizabeth, the older woman felt her own baby leap in her womb.  Moved by the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth pronounces a blessing upon young Mary.  “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (Luke 1:42).  It was this greeting… this greeting by a trusted family member, someone who recognized and confirmed the working of God in Mary’s young simple life, this greeting… that led to Mary’s song. 

Consider- how being commissioned by God for a special purpose would be exciting and yet also might leave a person feeling alone or uncertain or at least in need of some grounding reassurance.  Elizabeth’s greeting was a familiar family greeting- but also it was a powerful statement of faith. 

When Elizabeth said, “Blessed are you among women,” a song burst free from Mary’s heart!  That was her moment to sing… received both aspects of the call from God; 1) divine intervention and 2) human assurance.

Friends, one day you may be an Elizabeth in someone’s life.  A friend may hear the call of God or receive some sense of holy responsibility, and yet question that feeling.  Confirmation is needed by a person- you- who are sensitive to God’s spirit and presence.  We cannot imagine the power and impact of the right word of affirmation spoken at the right time! 

Someone may be ready to give up- as a parent, or teacher, or community leader, or give up simply as a human being.  Perhaps what they need along with the voice of an angel is your voice.  A reassuring word from another human being.  Don’t rule out the possibility that you can be God’s “Elizabeth” for some uncertain soul.

See you at the singing place,  

Pastor Michelle