Tag: Simeon

First Sunday of Christmas: 31 Dec – Luke 2:22-40 ~ “I have seen your salvation!”

First Sunday of Christmas

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Prayer

O God, You cradle us at the beginning of life and embrace us at our journey’s end, for You love us as Your own. Bind our families together and deepen our faith, that, like the Holy Family of Nazareth, we may grow in wisdom, obedient to Your word. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendor of eternal light, God for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“Joy to the world” – Soundiva Classical Choir


__________

Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-40 (NLT)

Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

“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!”

Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “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.”

Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

Prayers of Intercession:

Lord God: You have loved us and chosen us to be members of Your extended family. Hear our prayers as we anticipate the beginning of a new year –

+ For all Your families around the world, that we may learn to say “please”, “thank you” and “I’m sorry” to each other…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all Your families in great difficulty, that we may receive the help and hope (the support) we need…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all Your grandparents that, like Simeon and Anna in the Temple, our hope in You may be fulfilled…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all the members of our families, that You may keep us safe, healthy, and strong in 2018…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all the members of our families who have died, especially those who died in 2017, that they may see Your face…. Lord, hear us.

Lord God: You remember Your covenant forever. Hear the prayers of all those who seek Your help, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
__________

“”Simeon’s Song”” – Tommy Walker


__________

Blessing

Live as children of God, blameless and innocent, in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation – that you may shine as lights in the world, always holding fast to the Word of Life.
__________

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: Thu, 29 Dec – 1 John 2:3-11; Psalm 96:1-3, 5-6; Luke 2:22-35 ~ a light to reveal God

The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentence

O come, let us adore him!

A light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.
__________

Reading: 1 John 2:3-11 (NLT)

And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

The Kranji State Cemetery National Cemetary of Singapore
“For the darkness is disappearing and the true light is already shining”
The Kranji State Cemetery
National Cemetary of Singapore

Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining.

If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness.
__________

Reading: Psalm 96:1-3, 5-6 (NLT)

Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
_____

The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens! Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.
__________

Reading: Luke 2:22-35 (NLT)

Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

simeonsmoment

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

“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!”

Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “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.”
__________

Prayer:

In his loving kindness, God sent us Christ, the Prince of Peace. Let us therefore trustfully declare: Peace to men of good will!

+ Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, accept our praise this Christmastide,  as we celebrate your saving love.
+ You promised a Savior to Abraham and his sons: this Christmas we welcome his coming into our midst.
+ May the Messiah bring salvation to the Jews, who waited for him in faith and in hope.
+ The birth of your Son was proclaimed by angels, preached by apostles, witnessed to by martyrs, celebrated in the Church:  may the message of peace ring out again in our world today.

Father, all-powerful and unseen God, you dispelled the shadows of this world when Christ, the true Light, dawned upon us. Look favorably upon us, Lord, and we will praise and glorify his birth as man. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“Chanukah, Oh Chanukah” – Theodore Bikel

__________

Blessing

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!

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holly Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: 02 February – Luke 2:22-32 ~ now I can die in peace

The Presentation of the Lord

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentence

Bring comfort to your people, Lord, and bless those who are your inheritance.

Morning Reading: Luke 2:22-32 (NLT)

Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Presentation in stained glass

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

“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!”

Morning Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world. We worship and honor you, our Lord and Savior, who was presented to his Father in the temple, and who came to bring comfort to us all.

+ On the cross you consummated your sacrifice to the Father: unite us in your death that we might rise with you in glory.
+ You brought consolation to Israel: bring us now your wisdom, fresh understanding and new vision.
+ Your people continue to proclaim your coming: bring light to all who search for truth.
+ You are the sign of contradiction, the corner-stone rejected by the builders:
build us as living stones into a temple where you will dwell.

Almighty, ever-living God, on this day your Only-Begotten Son was presented in the Temple, in flesh and blood like ours. Purify us in mind and heart that we may meet you in your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

“Hope of the Nations” – Brian Doerksen

Blessing

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: 2 Feb – Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-32 ~ became like us to save us

The Presentation of the Lord

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence and Prayer:

Look, I am going to send my messenger to prepare a way before me. And the Lord you are seeking will suddenly enter his Temple; and the angel of the covenant whom you are longing for, yes, he is coming, says the Lord of Hosts. (Malachi 3:1)
_____

Almighty, ever-living God, on this day Your Only-Begotten Son was presented in the Temple, in flesh and blood like ours. Purify us in mind and heart that we may meet You in Your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 2:14-18 (NLT)

"Kissing The Face of God" Morgan Weistling
“Kissing The Face of God”
Morgan Weistling

Because God’s children are human beings — made of flesh and blood — the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.
__________

A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel. (Luke 2:32)
__________

A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 2:22-32 (NLT)

Simeon and Anna
Simeon and Anna

Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord — “either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

“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!”
__________


__________

Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing:

May the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

The 5th Day of Christmas: 29 Dec – 1 John 2:3-11; Luke 2:22-35 – a light to the nations

The 5th Day of Christmas

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences:

Give thanks with joy to the Father, who has rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the Kingdom of His dear Son.

A light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory for His people Israel.

Christ is born for us; come let us adore Him.

A Reading from Letters: 1 John 2:3-11

And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment — to love one another — is the same message you heard before. Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining.

image

If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness.”

A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 2:22-35 (NLT)

Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord — “either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. 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.”
__________


__________

Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek and all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing:

May the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen