See and Reply

Luke 2:28-32; 38
Simeon says:  Lord, now You are letting your servant depart in peace, According to Your work;  For my eyes have see Your salvation which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel. 
Anna gives thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Immanuel:  God with Us.  The Christmas story is so rich with characters and a plot that can capture my imagination year after year.  This year my mind drifted to the idea of Immanuel interrupting the ordinary events and lives of those in his presence.  Rich, poor, family, strangers...he dropped in and nothing seemed to change much, but everything had changed.   Mary and Joseph did the responsible and honorable things by the Law and circumcised Jesus on the 8th day--ordinary.  Until Simeon and Anna see the normal healthy baby boy, both recognize the child as the savior, the redeemer.  Then again live moves on.

The week after Christmas, the return of a more normal routine.  Will I recognize the interruption of Immanuel into the ordinary ebb and flow?  Will I respond?

Recognize and Respond.

Off to errands, returns, planning for 2011. 

Recognize and Respond.