Tuesday, May 25, 2010

One last thought and then I'll try sleep


The church has a traditional night canticle called The Song of Simeon:

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace,
according to thy word;

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
which thou hast prepared before the face of all people,

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles,
and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

It's sung or said after the New Testament lesson of the evening, which is perfect because the old man Simeon said it after meeting baby Jesus, God's New Covenant in the flesh.

Simeon waited many years to see God's promised Savior, and his little song expressed the peace and relief he felt, seeing the world pass into good hands.

There's plenty I might take to bed tonight for some tossing, turning and heartburn. My wife is just out of the hospital, with enough question marks about her condition to keep me on edge. I worked on the kid's college financial aid (parent impoverishment) package tonight, and those numbers are poised to dance in my head 'til dawn.

But then old Simeon sings this cool lullaby, and I know that the world is in good hands. So I depart for bed in peace.

Goodnight and God hold your world for you, too.

* Painting: "Simeon in the Temple" by Rembrandt

3 comments:

Reformation said...

Amen, Evening Prayers at 1600.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mpieYdn1Vk&feature=related

TLF+ said...

Thanks for the Amen - and the hymn!

Anonymous said...

Now THERE is the life and soul of conviction, devotion, righteousness and discernment in and of the Holy Spirit.
If I started a congregation today, I would lobby for his name as the patron. Or Anna, either one.
Sleep tight. You're in my prayers tonight.