Looking Expectantly
/After writing about the Wise Men last week, I want to backtrack to a story that usually gets little air time in the Christmas season. It’s found in Luke 2:21-38, the story of Simeon and Anna, and it’s all about willingness to keep watching in hope, being ready to notice God’s presence and blessing, and expecting God’s promises to be kept.
Simeon had spent much of his life trusting in the promise that he would see the Messiah before he died. We don’t know how many years he had been waiting, but he allowed the Spirit to direct his steps and bring him to the temple the day that Mary and Joseph showed up with Jesus at forty days old. They were honouring the Jewish commandment to make a sacrifice to God in gratitude for a firstborn son.
Simeon was sensitive to the Spirit’s leading and when he saw Jesus he just knew it was him. Like Elizabeth sensing John’s movement of joy in her womb when a pregnant Mary turned up at her door carrying the Messiah, Simeon knew that this newborn was set apart, was holy and the Saviour of the world. He offered praise to God, sweeping Jesus up into his arms. This event was so momentous for him that he was now ready to leave his earthly life. Nothing else compared to this seemingly ordinary baby. In the midst of crushing Roman rule and cruelty, power struggles and suffering, Simeon’s trust in his God was rewarded. God’s promises were kept.
Anna was an eighty-four year old widowed prophetess who had devoted her life, day and night, to the temple, fasting and praying and trusting that God would intervene and save her people. She watched all of this go on - the recognition, the blessings of Simeon not only for Jesus but also for Mary and Joseph, and the joy of what this all meant. And she couldn’t stop herself talking about it. She couldn’t keep the news to herself. God had come to God’s people in a precious child.
I read this story and wonder where we are in it, individually and as a church. Are we people dropping by the temple (or online worship and websites) and going through the motions of faith but not truly trusting that God will turn our bleak situations around in this grey month of January? Are we anticipating the promise being kept and living it out in our lives? Are we dedicated to coming as close as we can to God instead of living in despair and hopelessness? Are we entrusting our lives to our Creator? Are we ready to see what God is birthing among us in this time of anxiety and frustration, and to recognize and bless it, giving the honour to God? Do we realize that we carry the promise of Jesus within us?
Everyone looks when a baby is in the room, even if it’s not fussing or doing anything distracting. We love new life. We are drawn to protect and snuggle the tiny vulnerability of an infant. We see hope and possibility in an as yet innocent life, still free of cynicism and sorrow, that brings us joy.
The congregation where I was leading worship had babies born during the pandemic. When we reopened and I finally got to meet them in person it was an emotional moment. This wasn’t just because of previously only virtual contact but the journey of their arrival, what the moms went through and the trust they placed in us to bring their vulnerable and precious babies into the church during a pandemic. They wanted their children to be in God’s house as early as possible. Their cooing and crying brought warm and protective looks from everyone.
Mary and Joseph must have felt some of the same things as our new parents, and also surprised that Jesus was recognized for who He was. They couldn’t fly under the radar even at the temple in Jerusalem but received blessing as their presence brought incredible joy.
I wonder as we enter the second week of 2022 what God is seeking to birth among us in a time when many have their heads down, looking at their smartphones or isolating at home. I wonder if we are just as expectant of God wanting to do something significant among us and if we are looking for it. I wonder if we are seeking ways to bless others and to receive God’s blessing. I wonder if we’re listening and watching for what God asks of us in a time that continues to be so difficult for so many.
May we be as sensitive as Simeon to the guidance and leading of the Spirit. May we boldly bless others and accept the blessing that comes our way. May we be ready to share the glory that we have seen and experienced of Christ in our own lives and may we be part of birthing, nurturing and protecting God’s plans among us..