The Song of Simeon - Pastor's Column Feb. 2023
Image: Meeting of the Lord / The Candlemas Day, Orthodox Icon from Belarus, 1731, public domain
February 2nd is forty days from the birth of Christ. Forty days following the birth of a child, the mother would complete her purification rituals. So you will sometimes see this date on church calendars referred to as The Purification of Mary. At the same time that Mary makes her purification, Mary and Joseph take Jesus to Jerusalem to present him in the Temple according to custom. Thus, the date is more appropriately focused on Christ and called “The Presentation of Our Lord.”
This is the scene described by Luke in chapter 2:22-39 of his gospel account. Perhaps the most memorable part of this scene is the song of Simeon. Luke records that Simeon, a devout and righteous man living in Jerusalem, was guided by the Spirit to enter the Temple on that same day that Jesus was being presented. When Simeon laid eyes on Jesus, he knew that he was seeing the salvation of the world. Simeon takes Jesus in his arms and sings beautiful words of prophecy. They are words that have been incorporated in the church’s worship as the “Nunc Dimittis,” which translates, “now you let depart.” The words below are from the post-communion canticle that we sing during the season of Lent. They come directly from the mouth of Simeon in Luke 2:29-32.
Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared
in the sight of every people:
A light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.
It is a moving text. “Lord, now you let your servant go in peace,” or “depart in peace,” as some translations read. Simeon is so certain in faith that his eyes have now beheld the salvation of the Lord, that he can depart this mortal life in peace. At least that is the interpretation. Simeon sees this as a final benediction, the blessing in which he had hoped.
For the same reason, the song of Simeon is also a part of the Compline prayers, those prayers appropriate for the close of the day. It does make for a great prayer when one is preparing to lay down for sleep. It is a reminder that whether awake or asleep, we are in the light of Christ. Should we fall asleep and our eyes not open again until the resurrection, we are still in the light of Christ. Martin Luther wrote of his assurance that even when he died and saw nothing but darkness, still that light would be shining before him.
Because of this festival’s attention to Christ as a light to the nations, it became the festival in which the church would bless the candles that would be used for worship during the church year. Parishioners might also bring the candles for blessing that would be used to give light to their homes as well. February 2nd then receive a third name, “Candlemas.” Whatever we call this occasion, it is for the celebration of the light of Christ and the salvation.
So on February 2nd, light a candle, speak or sing the Song of Simeon, and close with the following prayer:
Prayer: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, for you have sent us your salvation. Inspire us by your Holy Spirit to see with our own eyes him who is the glory of Israel and the light for all nations, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.