sermon excerpts: "In Simeon's Sandals" (Luke 2: 21-40)

A couple questions: longevity at what cost? Consider the balance between quality of life versus quantity – not just for us as individual human, biological beings, but as communities and organizations, as a congregation. How we live is more important than how long we live. Just putting that out there.

More than that, the story of Simeon raises a question about living life as a recipient, waiting for something to happen, for someone to arrive. What did he do in the meanwhile? How much did he miss in the present day, in the here and now while he was busy watching and waiting for what was to come? Did he skip out on dinner parties, trips to the countryside, excursions to other cities because he was waiting for something else to come along? What might we be missing out on while we wait for rescue, for someone else to come along and fix things?

It is important to remember that when that magical moment came, Simeon was more than an observer, more than a consumer or recipient, he became a participant. He was active and involved. He took the child in his hands and made great pronouncements, sharing the bigger story, building the tradition, putting a grander sense of importance on an ordinary dedication.

Even though his life was defined by what would happen to him, by the people that he would see, he took destiny into his own hands (literally) and made the most of his moment. How easy would it been for him to stand on the sidelines, watch contentedly and go home knowing his life was fulfilled? Filled with the purpose and energy of the Holy Spirit, he stepped up, spoke up and no one was the same ever again. Just putting that out there too. Merry Christmas.