New Year: Looking Forward
Scripture — Luke 2:27-28 (NRSV)
Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God.
Focus
YHWH had promised Simeon that he would not see death until he met the Messiah. And righteous Simeon waited and watched for the consolation of Israel to unfold. Simeon too stands at the threshold of his life as one season of waiting ends and a new season begins. My eyes have seen your salvation… a light of revelation for all peoples.
Devotion
Yesterday I wrote about Mary pondering what had transpired in her life with God’s divine plans interrupting her ordinary life. She pondered and reflected on what God had spoken and the events of her year. Now, post-partum Mary and dad Joseph walk into the temple around Jesus’s 40 days to do what is customary to present the baby in the temple. Simeon also enters the temple, guided by the Spirit as the Spirit ushers in a new era that will turn the life of the Hebrew people upside down.
YHWH had promised Simeon that he would not see death until he met the Messiah. And righteous Simeon waited and watched for the consolation of Israel to unfold. Simeon too stands at the threshold of his life as one season of waiting ends and a new season begins. My eyes have seen your salvation… a light of revelation for all peoples.
The other aspect of looking back to the year that has passed is to pause and look forward at the year to come. I am not one to write New Year’s resolutions anymore; I gave that up years ago. But I do hold the sacred mystery of what is to come and to hope with holy expectation. As we look at Simeon’s long witness of waiting, I find courage and hope that he did all of this guided by the Spirit. As we look forward to a new year with new eyes, new opportunities, new challenges and celebrations, I invite you to look for the light of God’s revelation.
Reflect
Jesus loved to ask people the question: What do you need me to do for you? Jesus is the Alpha and Omega who has already stepped into this year, and you can trust that he will hold your hand moving forward.
Act
Journal Prompt: What do you need from Jesus in this new year?
Pray
God of revelation, as we look to the new year with all its questions, uncertainties, fears or hopes and dreams, we look to you. Who else can we run to? You are the only one who has words of eternal life, as you hold our lives in your hands. God of Simeon, guide us every step of the way. Reveal to us the light we need for every day. Remind us you are already there. Send us angels to remind us not to fear, you will be Emmanuel all year. Amén.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the High Calling archive, hosted by the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: Resolution Rebel.
Inés Velásquez-McBryde
Chaplain at Fuller Theological Seminary & Pastor, Preacher, Speaker
Inés Velásquez-McBryde is a pastor, preacher, reconciler and mujerista theologian. She is the lead pastor and co-founder of The Church We Hope For. She is originally from Nicaragua, a third generation pastor, and the first pastora in her family. Inés earned her MDiv at Fuller Theolo...