Monday 02 February 2009
- Bible Book:
- Luke
"Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah." (v.25-26)
Background
Today is Candlemas. This passage from Luke is the onetraditionally associated with this day. Two events are beingcelebrated - the purification of Mary, Jesus' mother, and thepresentation and circumcision of the infant Jesus.
Jewish tradition regarded women as unclean after the birth of achild. For a period of time after a birth women weren't allowed toattend worship. When this time was up, they went to the Temple or asynagogue to be purified. After the ceremony they were allowed totake part in religious services again. These two events mark theend of the birth narratives.
Like so many Christian holy days, Candlemas has roots in pagancelebrations and carries with it a variety of myths and traditions.It was believed, for example, that Candlemas predicted the weatherfor the rest of the winter:
Winter will have another fight.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain,
Winter won't come again.
Traditional
In the Christian calendar, the festival is called Candlemasbecause this is the day when traditionally all the Church's candlesfor the year ahead are blessed.
The 'they' of verse 22 refers to Joseph and Mary, Jesus'earthly parents. As they come to the Temple, the purification,circumcision and presentation are really secondary to what is beingsaid about Jesus - "the consolation of Israel" (verse 25). Thefocus shifts quickly to Simeon. Here is a real servant of God. Theimpression conveyed by the text is that his whole life has beendevoted to serving God. He was righteous, devout and evidentlyradiated God's Spirit. A 'true man of God' - a really godly person(and in the following verses (
Simeon senses this baby is someone who is not just special.Here is the one in whom the hope and expectation of Old Testamentprophecy finds fulfilment. Here is the Messiah, who will change theworld for the better. Simeon's feelings are summed up in verses29-32. These words record what has become known as the 'NuncDimittis' (link) - a prayer included in variousChurch liturgies, often during evening prayer.
To Ponder
Have you ever met someone who seemed to be a trueman or woman of God? What qualities did they have that made youcome to that opinion?
What does Jesus mean to you? How would you choseto describe him to someone?