First Sunday after Christmas (Year 3, NL)

The hymns of Mary, Zechariah, and Simeon reflect the worship material of early Christians.

Simeon and Anna echo the worship material of ancient Israel.

The Spirit’s presence often feels like winter’s dry wind.

I don’t know if this is the pandemic’s end game. I do know that new things are already being born in us.

We should all be a little eccentric.

Preachers who value their pulpit would be wise to avoid Isaiah 9 this Christmas Eve.

Anna and Simeon’s hope precedes their encounter with Jesus.

Luke insists that Jesus is a child of Israel.

Luke’s first two chapters are a metaphorical retirement home for elders who are “looking forward to the consolation of Israel.”

Like Simeon and Anna, I had a rough Advent.

After 48 years as a minister of word and sacrament, I will retire at the end of January.

This month could be consecrated to all hidden preparations, to children in the womb and to those who long to conceive. In February all is potency, awaiting God's redeeming act.

Simeon offers a subtle instruction to Mary: remember the cross.