Friday, December 29, 2023
The Fifth Day of Christmas
(click here to listen to or read today’s scriptures)
Listening to Simeon’s song
The LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty go before him; praise and grandeur are in his sanctuary.
On December 26 the moon was officially full. It had looked full a day or two before, but this was the best night of all. We drove to Chinati Court with Aki and the boys for Chinati’s annual light display, complete with painted signs in each yard of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” one stanza after another.
Above every house the full moon glowed. Every time I looked up, there it was. Watching the moon it was easy to thank God, to praise him and appreciate the beauty of the world He has given us. Some of the lights down below reflected that beauty as well, especially those which embraced the live oak trees in a few of the yards.
Miles and I got lost and thought we were at the far end of the court when we were actually all the way around. I think we were looking up too much and not looking out for where we were. This is a typical problem for absent-minded professors, and so I guess that’s what I’ve been, and what Miles might one day be.
Beloved, I am writing no new commandment to you but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. And yet I do write a new commandment to you, which holds true in him and among you, for the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.
I think of Miles age 7, x2, x3, x4, x5, when he’ll be 35, perhaps professorial, about the age his parents are now. Will he be a dad by then? Will there be lights on Chinati Court for him to visit? He’ll have 28 more years of life experience, prayer, relationships, travel and the rest behind him then. Will his smile be as wide as it is now?
These dreams open my heart, for a bit, but then I close it up again. God’s in charge here. I can imagine the best or the worst (although I’ll always imagine the best!) but my imagination sings a song that fades as God’s song rises, like the slowly waxing moon gets lost in the western sky as the sun shines.
Simeon met Jesus and his parents in Jerusalem’s temple. He had been waiting there for many years. When he saw them he sang:
“Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people: a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”
And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him.
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
One thing for sure. Simeon’s Song applies to Miles, Jasper, Andi and Aki as it did to the Holy Family. Already the children have been light to lighten those around them. Already the sword has pierced the parents’ hearts. Their hearts have been healed again, but memories like scars remain.
How can this be? How will God turn us each on his wheel, ourselves and our children?
How awesome to be parents, to watch as God shapes the children into who he made them out to be, from the very first day.
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
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