Simeon's Song

“Jesus Christ, the condescension of divinity, and the exaltation of humanity.”

Phillips Brooks (author of the carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem")

Times were tough – the Romans had seized power and Jerusalem was once again under the rule of people who were not God's promised ones. Everything in Israel was done by permissions and under Roman scrutiny. Morale was low and many who had believed in generations past were doubting and even skeptical. It was into that scene we peek to observe a young married couple with their first child – poor and uncertain of many things. They are met by an older priest (Simeon) to receive their poorest of sacrifices intended to honor their firstborn son. They could only afford a couple of doves but they obediently approached the altar with their offering. Then it happened – God met them all and revealed the fulfillment of the Old Testament Advent promises – Immanuel! The name of Simeon's Song is Nunc Dimittis which in is Latin, "Now you dismiss". Simeon basically said, 'now I can die a happy man' because I have lived to see God keep His word and send the Messiah. Sunday will be an affirmation that Jesus is the Right One and a song about the roles He will fulfill as Savior, Messiah and Immanuel.
Mike Burt