First Sunday after Christmas

First Sunday after Christmas

Readings:

Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Psalm 148
Galatians 4:4-8
Luke 2:22-40
 
“Watch-Night Hymn 5” by Charles Wesley
Jesus, God of our salvation,
Give us eyes thyself to see,
Waiting for thy consolation,
Longing to believe on thee:
Now vouchsafe the sacred power,
Now the faith divine impart;
Meet us at this solemn hour,
Shine in every drooping heart.
 
Anna-like within the temple,
Simeon-like we meekly stay,
Daily with thy saints assemble,
Nightly for thy coming pray:
While our souls are bowed before thee,
While we humbly sue for grace,
Come, thy people’s light and glory,
Show to all thy heavenly face.
 
If to us thy sacred Spirit
Hath the future grace revealed,
Let us by thy righteous merit
Now receive our pardon sealed:
To eternal life appointed,
Let us thy salvation see,
Now behold the Lord’s anointed,
Now obtain our heaven in thee.
 
Reflection: Anna and Simeon waited in the temple their whole lives to see the Savior of Israel. They believed, by the grace of God, that their lives would not end before they saw the Messiah. Did we wait with such faith this Advent? Did we hold on so strongly to God’s promises? Or did holiday preparations, frustrating relationships, or unexpected bad news get in our way? Each time we gather for worship together is a chance to renew our faithful waiting and patient expectation—and an opportunity for a taste of what the fullness of God’s glory will one day mean for us.
 
Prayer: Lord, let your servant depart in peace, according to your will. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples. Amen.