[Advent] The Love of Simeon
“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations.” (Luke 2:30-31) It’s that time of year when, inevitably, you’ll step into a department store and hear: “Last Christmas, I gave you my heart, but the very next day, you gave it away.” (My sincerest apologies if that gets stuck in your head.) If you love that song, I’m happy it’s adding to your Christmas joy. But it always makes me pause. It seems to be about love, given and betrayed and found anew. And after all, Christmas is all about love, right? Christmas is, in fact, the most beautiful love story.…
[Advent] The Joy of Anna
“Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 52:9) Let’s imagine a little today. You’re seven years old again. It’s a few days before Christmas, and a big box has appeared under the tree. And it’s just the right size to be that thing you’ve been wanting so badly. (What is it for young you – perhaps a bike? A game? A sled? Fancy shoes?) It feels like Christmas morning will never get here. Hours stretch by with hope and longing. But sure enough – 25 December, you race to the tree and rip off…
