December 31, 2018

Luke 2:29, 30 Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation

Luke gives us several of the most beloved song/prayers in the New Testament. There is Zechariah’s, called The Benedictus, found in chapter one (68-79) just after Mary’s which is known as The Magnificat (1:46-55). The above is part of a song from a man named Simeon which he breaks into when he sees Jesus being presented in the temple, something like our infant baptisms today. It is known as the Nunc Dimittis and is used by some prayer books as a prayer before sleeping at night. Today is New Year’s Eve and many folks will be reflecting on the past year, the ups and downs, joys and sorrows, gains and losses. If you do so, include some time to think about where you saw God active in your life or your family or your community or the world. Wouldn’t it be lovely if at the end of our life or at the end of the year or even at the end of the day we could sing along with Simeon from our hearts. This week try embracing these words for 2019.