Thursday 29 December 2022

Today is Thursday the 29th of December, in the Season of Christmas.

Praytell and Jon Guerra sing, ‘Something Bright, Something Shining’.


I've been waiting for a light and a morning
I've been looking for a wonder and a sign
The night is lit by a single candle burning
But the dark returns when the candle's out of light
Oh Simeon, have you ever lost the promise?
After all these years, do you still believe in Christ?
If ever then you hold that little baby
Would you ask him, could he send me something bright?
Something bright, something shining
Something right, here beside me
Son of David, lift my eyes
I need you, God, to find me
Something bright, something shining
The star that led the wise men to the manger
Has been hiding for a while in the dark
If herald angels come and sing the sky bright
What good is it if we never hear the hark?
If the just shall live by faith and never by sight
If the consolation comes after the dawn
Would you give me light that guides me from the inside
Would you give me something to seek me when I'm lost
Something bright, something shining
Something right, here beside me
Son of David, lift my eyes
I need you, God, to find me
Something bright, something shining
Something bright, something shining
I don't know how to find you in the waiting
My prayers are so much softer than my cries
Maybe one day you can come and hold me
Maybe one day you can make me bright
Make me bright, Make me shining
Make me right, here inside me
Son of David, lift my eyes
I need you, God, to finally
Make me bright, make me shining
Make me bright, make me shining
Make me bright

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 2:22-35

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’

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. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’

This season is full of traditions, long-standing and personally created, to mark what this time of year means to families and communities. Perhaps you have your own?

After the challenges and wonders that have surrounded the birth of Jesus, what must this tradition mean to Mary and Joseph? Something familiar, something that connected them to all that has gone before? Asking the protection of the Lord that every other mother and father had asked for their child. Do you feel their emotions as they enter the Temple?

What would it mean to hear the prophetic yearnings of an old man? How often might you hear the elders wishing gifts and talents on the futures of the young, and raise a smile?


As you listen again, recognise the wisdom of Simeon guided by the Holy Spirit. Share the amazement of Mary and Joseph as an old man, after a lifetime praying for consolation, looks into the eyes of salvation.


If you can, spend a little time now, letting this child, Emmanuel, look into your eyes and be with you.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.