Today is February 2nd.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”
Today Christians celebrate the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.
When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took [Jesus] to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 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.” 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. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 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, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 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, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
This is a beautiful passage that tells the story of both consolation and desolation. Simeon experienced consolation when the awaited Christ child was presented to the Lord in the Temple. And we can imagine that Mary, mother of Christ, experienced desolation at Simeon’s words about her son, and about a sword piercing her soul. Imagine how Simeon felt when he took Christ into his arms. Now, imagine how Mary felt hearing the prophetic words of Simeon.
Jesus is present to us in times of both consolation and desolation. As you hear the passage read again, ask Jesus to draw near to you in whatever season you find yourself.
Jesus was presented to Simeon as an infant – but Simeon, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, received him as messiah and as the consolation of Israel. When Jesus first was presented to you, how did you perceive Him? Did you feel moved by the Spirit, like Simeon did? Did you marvel at what was said about him, like His parents did?
As you end your time of prayer, reflect on how it was that you first received Jesus: as consolation? As messiah? How else might you describe your first experience of Jesus?
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Music: How Glorious You Are - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)