February 2017 – “Light”

When I make up the theme calendar for the year I try to be purposeful with the words. For example, January’s theme was “Reveal”. I chose that because many Christians celebrate Epiphany in January – a word which literally means reveal. As in the Christ child was revealed to the Gentiles when the Magi visited him.

“Light” was chosen because of Candlemas, which is observed on February 2nd by many believers. It is 40 days after Christmas and celebrates the day the infant Jesus was presented in the temple. While there, a wise Jewish man by the name of Simeon took the baby in his arms and proclaimed he would be a light for the Gentiles (Luke 2:32).

Sometimes it feels like the darkness is closing in. Our entire world seems to be in chaos right now. But there is good news! Even when the oppression feels permanent, Jesus is our light at the end of this very dark, seemingly long tunnel. He is our hope and our salvation. Nothing on earth can change that, no matter how impossible our situation may seem.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
~ Luke 2:25-32