[Mcgregorpage] McGregorPage #641, Christmas 1, 12/28/08

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Christmas 1 -- December 28, 2008


Psalm 148
Isaiah 61:10 - 62:3
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:22-40


Second-String Sunday

"Second String Sunday" is a recent emendation to the traditional church calendar.  Advent having absorbed Christmastide, the Sunday following Christmas is the time for pastors to call the associate's number if they have an associate, or anyone free to preach, so the preacher can depressurize from the fall haul.  Still, it presents a wonderful opportunity to preach to the faithful the depths of the Christmas story.  First because only the faithful will show up, and second because all the obligatory remembrances have already been done.  The following is an introduction to a message of peace and hope based on Luke 2:

The old man Simeon has always elicited my sympathy.  His benediction is one to which I aspire: "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation..."  Except I liked, "Now, O Lord, lettest thou thy servant depart in peace..." much better than the NRSV above.

Simeon's self concept is that of a servant of God.  There he is in Herod the Great's magnificent, new temple.  Perhaps he was too old to be full of himself in the splendor and honor of serving there.  Suffice it to say that his perspective is mature.  Whether he is in a new, impressive temple or in a humble village    it is of little signi
ficance.  The center of his joy is the privilege of being a servant of God.  It is out of that relationship with God that has grown his anticipation of assurance.  God is going to let him see the salvation of the world as it dawns.  A bit like Moses standing beyond the Jordan looking across to the Promised Land, he will get a glimpse of what God is about to do. 

Why is this vision so important to him that the end of his life is postponed?  He is concerned about the future, about the future of his worshiping community and about the future of humanity in general. Well he should have been concerned.  Herod had given them their temple, but otherwise his reign was one of terror especially at the end (13   4 B.C.E.).  The spectrum of his religious community ran from accommodating Sadducees to fundamental Pharisees to fanatic guerillas.  Would they not tear Israel apart and leave her to the ravages of her enemies.  Indeed, was the whole world not on its way to hell?  (Caligula would become the Roman emperor when
Tiberius died of syphilis.)

Simeon's fears are our fears; so is his peaceful assurance at the sight of the child now not a month old... (The body of the sermon then can help us all see in the baby Jesus the assurance and hope over which Simeon rejoices.) 


May these thoughts strengthen you. 
 
An Open Letter to Fellow Pastors 
>From Roland McGregor, United Methodist Pastor 
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