Wednesday 02 February 2011

Background

Today, 40 days after Christmas Day, the Christian churchcelebrates the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. This storyfrom early in the life of Jesus reveals that his parents were eagerto obey the Jewish law and to fulfil its requirements. Here Luke(probably a Gentile, not a Jew) brings together into one accounttheir observance of more than one such tradition; the offering forthe purification of the mother (Leviticus 12:1-8), the redemption of thefirstborn son (Exodus 13:2,11-15 which would notnecessarily mean a visit to the Temple) and the idea of thepresentation of Jesus, just as the infant Samuel was presentedbefore the Lord (1 Samuel 1:24). Luke alone records thisincident, so giving voice to two of the otherwise unknown saints ofthe first century. 

• Simeon is an old man, nearing death. He is devout and humble,and has received a remarkable promise, that he will not die beforeseeing the Messiah, whom Jews believed God would send to be thesalvation of Israel.
• Also present is Anna (Luke2:36-38), similarly ancient and similarly devoted to God,spending her time in and around the temple courts. After seeingJesus she excitedly praises God and spreads the word.

Simeon's faith is rewarded and the promise is fulfilled,as Joseph and Mary bring their tiny baby into the temple, Simeonholds him and utters words of prayer, praise and prophecy, wordsoften known as the "Nunc Dimittis" (Latin for his first phrase,"Now dismiss"). 

Simeon sees in Jesus:

• Salvation - he could not know how this would be, but his faithperceives that through Jesus "all peoples" (not just Israel) willbe saved.
• Light, which will mean revelation to those who are not Jews,and glory for those who are, as they bring that message of light tothe whole world.

Perhaps it is the mention of light which has led to thisday becoming the time when, in some churches, the supply of candlesfor use in worship in the year ahead is blessed, and the day knownas Candlemas. Many people like to place a lighted candle in theirwindow on this night.

To Ponder

Why do you think Luke, a non-Jew, takes thetrouble to tell us of this story of religious ceremony?

How can we reflect Christ's light of revelationand glory?

Some churches, especially in Continental Europe,keep their nativity scenes up until Candlemas. Forty days afterChristmas, have you thrown the baby out with the wrapping paperyet?