Instrumentalists: Karen & Steve
Joy to the World
Simeon Reading
Special Music: Steve
Manger Throne
Majesty in a Manger
Grace Giving
Behold
From the Squalor of a Borrowed Stable
Special Music- O Come, O Come Emmanuel by Cameron and Gabriel Walker
Message
O Come All You Unfaithful
12-29-2024pdf
SIMEON – THE NUNC DIMITTIS
READER 1: Today, we look at the final Christmas song found in Luke’s Gospel. It takes place eight days after Jesus was born. This last poem allows us to linger in Christmas a little longer!
READER 2: Following Jewish law, Mary and Joseph traveled to the temple in Jerusalem to present Jesus to the Lord. As they arrived at the temple, there were many worshippers gathered in the courtyard, one of them was an elderly man named Simeon who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would meet the Messiah before his death.
READER 2: On the day Joseph, Mary, and Jesus arrived at the temple, the Holy Spirit prompted Simeon to go to the temple. Imagine the anticipation he must have felt as his eyes scanned the temple courtyard! When he spotted Mary, Joseph, and their infant son, Jesus, his heart swelled with excitement.
READER 1: Simeon approached the young family with reverence and wonder as the promise made to him was being fulfilled. Gently, he took the baby into his arms. He looked into the face of the one he had been waiting and sang a beautiful hymn, known as the Nunc Dimittis.
READER 2: Imagine how his voice echoed through the temple, declaring the fulfillment of God’s promise as he recognized the significance of the child that he held in his arms. There were so many there at the temple listening to him proclaim that this baby was a light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel.
READER 1: As Joseph and Mary stood in the temple, their eyes must have been filled with wonder, they watched Simeon, an elderly man, cradle their newborn son in his arms. His weathered face radiated joy as he gazed at the child, singing a beautiful hymn that echoed the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.
READER 2: Simeons song recorded in Luke 2: 29-32:
“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised.
I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people.
He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
READER 1: After finishing his song, he turned toward Mary and Joseph and offered a heartfelt blessing upon them. He turned to Mary and spoke these words: Luke 2: 34-25
“This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”
READER 2: Just as Simeon was done, an elderly woman named Anna who had devoted her life to worshipping God and fervently awaiting the arrival of the Messiah at the temple approached them. Overflowing with joy, Anna began to praise God, her voice carried through the temple and she spoke passionately about the child to everyone who had been eagerly waiting for the Messiah.
READER 2: As this Christmas season has come to a close, Simeon’s song serves as a reminder that the message of joy, hope, and salvation extends beyond the holiday season but through out the entire year for all people- every nation and every tongue.