2016 December 29 - in the sight of every people

[ Today's Readings ]

When we look at the Christ child what do we see? Do we see what Simeon sees?

my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you prepared in the sight of every people,
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel

When the Christ child is placed into our hands do we bless God for giving us the salvation prepared in the sight of every people? Simeon sees this hidden reality. We ought to look for it as well.

There is much darkness in the world. But if we learn to see like Simeon sees we behold a light to reveal God to the nations. We find that "the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining." This is true regardless of circumstance. The consolation of Israel is already available to us to behold and to receive. The Holy Spirit wants to reveal this to our hearts just as he does for Simeon.

In order to truly behold the light we must set aside the works of darkness. The LORD makes his light shine. He wants to cast the darkness from our hearts. But we are still free to prefer the darkness. We can choose it over and against the light of the King. But why? The selfish and hatred that constitute the darkness seem like they will help us to achieve goals, to be happy and successful. But these are false promises. Only in the light of Jesus do we find happiness Only beholding that light are we able to find the peace Simeon finds. Let us allow Jesus to shine in our hearts this morning so that we too may go in peace, just as the LORD promises.

This is the way we may know that we are in union with him:
whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk just as he walked.

It is our union with Jesus that makes this possible. This union comes from seeing his light and letting it shine in our hearts.

The LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty go before him;
praise and grandeur are in his sanctuary.