During Advent & Christmas, we are featuring devotionals written by clergy of the Greater NJ Annual Conference of the UMC. For this week, we are focused on reflections related to Simeon, based on the Gospel of Luke.
25 A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout. He eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Jesus’ parents brought the child to the temple so that they could do what was customary under the Law. 28 Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said,
29 “Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word,
30 because my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples.
32 It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and a glory for your people Israel.”
33 His father and mother were amazed by what was said about him. 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.”
Reflection
Holy Spirit, rest on me.
If you rest on me,
I will be able to rest too.
Rest on me, like you did on Simeon
to whom you revealed and guided.
In, around, over, under and through him,
it seems
You flowed, guiding his thoughts, his steps.
Give me the Spirit, like Simeon
who faced death with peace
who saw death as dismissal
class over, time to go home.
Because the lesson had been learned
the baby held,
the light seen.
Spirit, send me, like Simeon
who spoke truth
that was hard to hear
while he nurtured the hearers
with blessings, blessings
Give me the Spirit, like Simeon.
By the Rev. Emily Wilton
For Pondering & Prayer
Poetry can be an expressive, freeing way to express thoughts. Try writing a poem, either about today’s scripture text or about your favorite scripture text.
Prayer: Holy God, give me the Spirit, like Simeon. Amen.
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