St Luke 2, 33 – 35
Something to read
And Joseph and his mother marvelled 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.
King James Version
And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed--and a sword will pierce your own soul too."
New Revised Standard Version
Something to think about
Simeon's message to Mary outlines a couple of things
1. How people respond to Jesus and his message will determine their destiny. Many of Jesus' contemporaries receive his message and are saved, but the religious community, by and large, can't bring themselves to believe that Jesus can be God's Messiah.
2. Though the Holy Spirit, Simeon can see the deep anguish that Mary will feel as her son is rejected by the nation's leaders and ultimately crucified.
No doubt both Joseph and Mary are, as any parents would be, in awe of the blessing being spoke over them and of Jesus. This family was definitely united.
Something to do
Today our understanding of a tradition family is changing. The UK Statistics Authority state the total number of families reached 17.9 million in 2011, the number is made up married couple, lone-mother and cohabiting couple families.
Overseas the numbers are millions more, one way you can help poor families is by supporting a fair taxation system that will benefit the people of developing countries. Christian Aid is leading on this through its trace the tax campaign. Take an action here www.christianaid.org.uk
Something to pray
O God, to those who have hunger
give bread,
and to us who have bread
give the hunger for justice.
Today’s contributor is Dionne Gravesende, Christian Aid’s Head of Churches and Education