Song of Simeon

Yesterday was the first Sunday after Christmas. Christmas 1 is one of the few times in the course of the year, perhaps the only time, in the Episcopal Church when the Gospel reading varies from the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The Episcopal Church reads the prologue to John all three years. In Year A, the year of Matthew, the RCL reading is the story of the flight into Egypt. In year C, the year of Luke, the reading is the story of the boy Jesus at the temple. This year, Year B, the year of Mark, the reading is the Song of Simeon and the story of Anna. I love that passage. It is about two elderly people, one a man and the other a woman, who have spent their lives in the service of God. They are rewarded by seeing the Messiah as an infant. The passage always brings a tear to my eye.

Simeon’s words are well known:

Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.

The Song of Simeon has been put to music many times, in some beautiful settings. Please enjoy one of them.