December 26, 2020

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation…” – Luke 2:29-30

These words from Luke’s gospel show just how blessed Simeon was. This first Sunday after Christmas, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. We hear how Simeon was promised by God through the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he saw “the Christ of the Lord.” (vs 26) When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple for circumcision, Simeon held Jesus and knew in that moment that Jesus was the promised savior. What a profound and amazing revelation that must have been for him?

How about us? How many times in our own families, in our own lives, have we seen the salvation of the Lord and missed it? Or chalked it up to something other than God’s loving plan for us? Whenever we witness the love of young people coming together in the sacrament of marriage, we see the grace and love of God. Whenever new life comes into the world, we are witness to God’s love and grace. Whenever our children reach out to help their siblings, God’s love is on display. Whenever the hungry are fed, the poor are provided for, the homeless find shelter, and hard hearts are softened, we see the love and blessing of our good and gracious God.

May we give thanks today on this feast of the Holy Family for our families. May we recognize the many ways God shows us His love and salvation within our own households. And as we are grateful, we, like Simeon, will find peace in the promise and plan God has for our lives. May we always give thanks for God’s salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, for He truly is Emmanuel—God with us.

Joy to the World!



©Mary V. Pribbenow