This Advent season, we prepare our hearts for Christmas with a series guided by Dr. Amy-Jill Levine’s Light of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent.
We place a great deal of value on traditions. We discussed this some in this series’ opening message on Elizabeth and Zechariah. Very often there is good reason for tradition! And sometimes it’s helpful to remember what is tradition and what may be behind a tradition. This is not to dishonor a tradition, but to heighten the meaning of the memory. Our Christmas traditions bring us great joy. And some of the ways we highlight portions of our Christmas stories miss powerful points on the Grace of God found in the infant child.
Luke 2:22-40 (CEB)
22 When the time came for their ritual cleansing, in accordance with the Law from Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.(23 It’s written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord.”) 24 They offered a sacrifice in keeping with what’s stated in the Law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.
25 A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout. He eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him.26 The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Jesus’ parents brought the child to the temple so that they could do what was customary under the Law. 28 Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said,
29 “Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word,
30 because my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples.
32 It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and a glory for your people Israel.”33 His father and mother were amazed by what was said about him. 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, who belonged to the tribe of Asher. She was very old. After she married, she lived with her husband for seven years. 37 She was now an 84-year-old widow. She never left the temple area but worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day.38 She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When Mary and Joseph had completed everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown, Nazareth in Galilee. 40 The child grew up and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.
Consider these questions:
- What is a familiar tradition of your family or community? Is it a tradition that is more serious? Is it funny? What’s the story around this tradition? How have do you honor this tradition now?
- What is a familiar tradition that you value as a person of faith? What moves you spiritually about this tradition? Is it something we do here at La Jolla UMC?
- With either of these, is there an evolution of those traditions that you recall? Did a tradition start in one way and then become something else? What was that journey like?
- Have you ever felt as though the tradition you honor has