The Nunc Dimittis
How often do you say something without really thinking of its importance? It happens every day as we rush around taking care of work, chores, and loved ones. Phrases like “I love you” or “See you later” roll off the tongue without a second thought. We mean them but we don’t stop to ponder them.
Sadly, it is easy enough to find ourselves in this situation with the Liturgy. We’ve said it so many times that it rolls off the tongue without thinking. However, it is good to ponder and think about what we are really saying.
In the Nunc Dimittis, we get to celebrate meeting Jesus. No, we didn’t get to hold him as a baby as Simeon did, but we do get to meet him every week at Holy Communion!
Because God comes to us through His Word and Sacraments, we meet Jesus at the Lord’s table much like Simeon meeting baby Jesus in the temple. So as we depart, we get to join Simeon in his song and rejoice for the salvation we have seen! Alleluia!
Today’s sermon is based on Luke 2:
22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
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Announcements
Bible Study: You are invited to join us! We have two classes every week. The first one meets Sunday mornings at 9:45 am in person and is covering The Power & Primacy of the Pope.
The second one meets on Wednesday nights at 7 pm via Zoom and is covering the Book of Revelation.
Donations: Unfortunately the expenses go on. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James post office box as that is a secure location. We also offer an option to donate online.
LWML: The Zone Prayer Service will be held at Lamb of God in Seattle on February 26. Please contact Margaret Ebert for more details.
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will be printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday for mailing on Wednesday. Remember if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person their permission must be obtained.
Prayer during a pandemic:
Almighty God, heavenly Father, give us grace to trust You during this time of illness and distress. In mercy put an end to the pandemic that afflicts us. Grant relief to those who suffer, and comfort all that mourn. Sustain all medical personnel in their labors, and cause Your people ever to serve You in righteousness and holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.