I am writing this on February 2 – one of the most ancient Christian holy days. Just in case you’re wondering, no, “Groundhog Day” isn’t one of the most ancient Christian holy days.
Today is the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus – commemorating the fortieth day after Christmas when Joseph and Mary brought their newborn baby, Jesus, to be blessed at the Temple in Jerusalem. For those of you familiar with the story from Luke, Chapter 2, the family is greeted by an old man named Simeon who, upon seeing Jesus, sings a song of praise to God:
God, you can now release your servant;
release me in peace as you promised.
With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation;
it’s now out in the open for everyone to see:
A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations,
and of glory for your people Israel.
– Luke 2:29-32 – The Message
The “God-revealing light” that was – and is – Jesus has come into the world.
According to tradition, on this day, people would sometimes bring candles from their homes to the church to have their candles blessed and then walk through town in a candlelit procession – “lighting” up the town.
This coming Sunday, we will hear the words of Jesus when he tells us, “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14). You and I might not walk through town with candles in our hands, but we are called to shine the “light” that God has given us in how we live in and through God’s grace and how we love with God’s grace. Shining like this can take many forms. This Sunday morning, we will celebrate the ordination of Deacons and Elders and the light that God has given them to shine and share. But they aren’t the only ones who can shine and share the light. You and I are called to do so, as well.
So, on this day when Punxatawney Phil saw his shadow (after turning his back to the light), you and I – as people called and blessed by God – are invited to turn toward the light of the Holy and reflect it back into all the world.
I will look forward to seeing you at church this week as we gather for worship and for our Annual Meeting. If you need to join the Annual Meeting via Zoom, click HERE a few minutes after 11 AM on Sunday.
See you at church (or “see” you on Zoom!)!
Grace and peace,
John
Prepare for Worship
This week: “Let it Shine!” – Light and Salt to the World
- Read Matthew 5:13-16
- Read Psalm 112
- Read or sing Hymn # 698 – “Take, O Take Me as I Am”