I recently wrote about things we experience that we never forget. There’s something you’ve experienced. A memory. It’s in your mind for good. It’s yours. Your memory. Your experience. You own it.
Others might not understand or relate, but that’s okay. It’s something special God has given you.
I own a special memory of the past. I think of it often but especially in the Advent season. Year after year.
It is the late 70’s-early 80’s, when the children are little. They have slept under the lighted Christmas tree, decorated with “dough” and painted wooden ornaments and those with their tiny school pictures – all of which they have made by hand. Early in the morning, as soon as they awaken us, I drop the blue cassette into the player. It’s a collection of meaningful songs, but one in particular pierces my spirit – every Christmas morning and still today: “Simeon’s Lullaby.”
It’s one of those experiences I’ve written of earlier – one that creates a plethora of memories, penetrating my spirit and welling up in my eyes. “Simeon’s Lullaby” plays in the background, as our three children open their Christmas presents. Matt’s eyes sparkle at the sight of his Big Foot Monster Truck; Kristen jumps with delight when she unwraps her Care Bear, and Amber’s arms hug me as she holds her Gerber Baby Doll.
Nothing is sweeter. How I miss those times. More with each passing year. More than words can express or the teardrops on my face can reveal. So the Lord uses this memory of mine – the one I own – the one I alone might understand – to refresh my mind of the sweet Christmases with Ron and the children.
Now with each passing year, as I listen to “Simeon’s Lullaby” and read from Luke, Chapter 2, I also have much to learn from this Simeon – more than the sweet lyrics or soft lullaby-type music reveal.
Simeon obeyed and honored God. He was a Spirit-led man, having been shown by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ, the one about whom the prophets had spoken and for which all Israel awaited. Simeon was led by the Holy Spirit to the temple courts that very day Joseph and Mary brought baby Jesus in. He had waited many years for the coming Messiah, so I learn patience from Simeon, as well. The reward of Simeon’s obedience is great! Simeon celebrates Jesus when he sees him:
“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!”
Yes, now Simeon can die in peace.
As much as I wish, the experience of Christmases in the past cannot be duplicated or repeated, but I own the moment, the memory. It is mine. It’s something special God has given me.
There’s something you’ve experienced. You own the moment, the memory. It’s yours. It is something special God has given you. Now Rejoice!
Join me! listen to “Simeon’s Lullaby” and read from Luke 2. Be renewed with the knowledge and magnificence of “This Little One, God’s Only Son” and see Him as Simeon did – “your salvation” – “the light of the nations.”
Oh my Lord sleeping in your mother’s arms
This little one, this little one
Your mother is keeping you covered and warm
This little one, this little one
Come let me hold him O bless you Lord
I will depart in peace
My eyes have finally seen thy salvation
The Glory of Israel, the light of the nations
Mary will be weeping, a sword pierce her soul
This little one, God’s only son
Darkness will be fleeing the rising light
In This little one, the kingdom has come
Come let me hold him O bless you Lord
I will depart in peace
My eyes have finally seen thy salvation
The Glory of Israel, the light of the nations In this little one, Salvation has come In this little One!
25 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 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 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, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised.
30 I have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared for all people.
32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them . . .”
Luke 2 NLT
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202%3A25-35&version=NLT
Featured photo by Simon Dewey. copyright: https://images.app.goo.gl/dwL1qKkg7MxQjtB28
