he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:28-32 ESV)
Announcements
Many years ago, in a larger church, I was given the responsibility of making announcements before worship. I took it both more seriously and less seriously than I should. At times, I presented the announcements in poem, sometimes in song, and sometimes in funny accents or attempts at impressions.
But I soon learned, if I did not KNOW the subject of the announcement, that announcement would be empty, foolish, and probably incorrect.
The things we know, we announce. And Simeon knew who the baby he held really was. That baby was the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior, the incarnated second person of the Trinity.
And his announcement was: Now I have seen everything. Or at least, now I have seen everything important.
Because as a baby, as a young man, as a rabbi, as the Master, as the suffering servant, as the obedient One, as the sacrifice, as the consolation of God’s people, as the One who loves, as Jesus… was the most important One.
And that is an announcement that needs making.
Recently I was challenged to no longer say, “Merry Christmas.” But instead to make announcements like Simeon’s.
Something like: “WOW, at this time of year we celebrate the necessary fact that God Himself became fully human, while remaining divine… and that He came to save sinners, destroy sin, and fix everything. Come, and adore Him… I hope THAT Messiah enters the homes and lives of everyone… and that falsehood and empty social religion diminish as HIS Kingdom grows!”
THAT is Merry Christmas!!!!