Song of Simeon
Luke 2:22-40 (KJV)
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Jesus to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
Luke 2:22-40 is our gospel lesson for this coming Sunday, December 30, the First Sunday after Christmas Day. Born in Bethlehem, acclaimed by angels, Jesus now is taken to Jerusalem to be presented in the Temple. There he is recognized by Simeon and Anna, both of whom make a great fuss over him. It is significant that this happens in the Temple, and Luke intends us to understand that this is far more to-do than Simeon and Anna might have made over any other newborn infant.
Jesus‘ relationship to the Temple is significant for Luke, who begins his very story in the Temple, with Zechariah serving there, and subtly ties it to Jesus through Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth, and her relationship to the Virgin Mary and her prophetic visit to Elizabeth. Now Jesus himself is in the very house of God where even as an infant he is recognized for what he is to become.
Sunday’s lesson ends with Luke telling us that Jesus grew in strength, wisdom and spirit, and in favor with God. But as Luke’s story goes on, he will have Jesus back in the Temple at age twelve, himself already knowing his spiritual home.
These are great Sunday School lessons that every child should learn and love. And every adult should be able to sing the “Song of Simeon” in Anglican Chant.
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