December 29

1 John 2:7-11; Psalm 96:1-9; Luke 2:22-35

Back to Luke’s very different infancy narrative.  No magi, no slaughtered infants, no flight.  Joseph’s home is in Nazareth, not Bethlehem.  From there they go to Jerusalem to offer a sacrifice.  There they meet Simeon, who has been waiting for years to see the “light for revelation” or, as the Episcopal Compline service has it, “a light to enlighten the nations.”  Sacramental vision is active in Simeon, letting him see the glory in this child.

But his vision includes the whole scope of Jesus’ life.  He doesn’t leave Mary and Joseph with just the happy parts.  He names Jesus’ destiny, and Mary’s pain.  We don’t have any details yet, but the outline is clear.  The light of Jesus will reveal “the inner thoughts of many,” and some of those will not want their thoughts revealed.  

The light of Jesus does indeed throw our thoughts and lives into relief.  How much of your life would you rather people not know about?  How many of your thoughts belong to your “inside voice”?  Jesus doesn’t have to call us out or shame us; he just comes, bringing the message of peace and wholeness and return, and lets our response reveal who we are.  That is not always a welcome visit.

Invite the light of Christ in today.  Let the light shine in the cupboards of your thoughts and actions.  Some do this daily, whether in the Ignatian consciousness examen or in another form.  Don’t be afraid; there’s usually some good things in there along with the bad.  And even the bad show up only to be repented, forgiven, and released.  In their wake will come all the gifts of the incarnation, and of this season.  You can have them anytime.  Don’t wait a lifetime.  Do it now.