Light to the Ethné
Simeon in the Temple (Luke 2:25-35) Rembrandt 1628, Kunsthalle Hamburg
A Destiny of Light
There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law, Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said:
Now, Master,
You can dismiss Your slave in peace,
as You promised.
For my eyes have seen Your salvation.
You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and glory to Your people Israel.
His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about Him. (Luke 2: 25-34 HCSB)
As the baby Jesus is bought to the temple for dedication, Simeon makes a number of predictions about Jesus’ destiny. The one that gets my attention today is that Jesus will be a light to the Gentiles. The Greek word translated Gentiles is actually ethné meaning all nations and peoples. In what way is Jesus a light to all?
The first thing I note is that Jesus gives the light of salvation, showing those who follow him their ultimate destiny. In Jesus this destiny is to live forever in the presence of God free of anything that could disrupt our collective harmony.
The second way Jesus is a light is that he gives wisdom and guidance, the light of life to live well in the present moment. How we treat others, help with life’s key decisions and power to be free to love in a selfless, honest manner.
A third way that Jesus gives light for the nations involves you and me. Each one of us has a unique time, place and relationships. As we humble ourselves under Jesus’ offer of salvation, we become agents of His light in the world. This good we have potential to offer is unique to each of us. As we say yes to Jesus’ light within ourselves, not only do we benefit, but so do our families, friends and communities benefit. May Jesus’ light in all its breadth and blessing fill your Christmas in 2022.