Christmas Carols (Simeon)
Scott Bayles, pastor
Blooming Grove Christians Church: 12/20/15
For the past few of weeks, we’ve been delving into the Carols of Christmas. In honor of all the Carols we sing at Christmas time, I thought I’d start off today by playing a little game. I’ll quote a line from a Christmas carol and you tell me what song it’s from.
• “Dashing through the snow in one horse open sleigh” – Jingle Bells
• “All of the other reindeer use to laugh and call him names” – Rudolph
• “He was made of snow but the children know how he came to life one day” – Frosty the Snowman
• “Yuletide carols being sung by a choir and folks dressed up like Eskimos” – Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire
• “Where the treetops glisten and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow” – I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas
• “Take a look in the five-and-ten, it's glistening once again with candy canes and silver lanes that glow” – It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
• “Round yon virgin Mother and Child” – Silent Night
• “The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes” – Away in a Manger
• “A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices” – Oh Holy Night
• “I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people” – Canticle of Simeon (Luke 2:30-31)
I’m not surprised that no one recognized that last one. It’s from the Nunc Dimittis or the Song of Simeon, recorded in Luke 2:29-32. Like the rest of the Christmas Carols we’ve read throughout this series, there are no notes given for this chorus. We don’t know the rhythm or tune to which Simeon sang his song. We’re not likely to hear it played on the radio this Christmas or even sung by a church choir. But, just like the other Christmas Carols we’ve seen so far, this song rises up in Simeon’s heart through the prompting and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It’s a spontaneous Spirit-induced song of praise and prophecy delivered with power and poetry. Before we get to the lyrics, however, let me introduce you to Simeon himself.
By this time Mary and Joseph are no longer spending their nights on the dirty floor of a stable. They’ve found a house, perhaps with relatives, in which to stay. It’s been eight days since Mary gave birth to God’s Son, since angels sang and shepherds bowed down. But the miracle of Christmas is far from over.
According to Jewish law, Joseph and Mary were to bring Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to have him circumcised on the eighth day after his birth and offer a sacrifice of two turtle doves (that sounds familiar, doesn’t it?). At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. The Bible says he was a good and godly man and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah with his own eyes. So on the very day that Jesus was in the Temple being circumcised, the Holy Spirit nudge Simeon to go visit the Temple. I can almost picture Simeon sifting through the crowd, his eyes darting back and forth, as if he’s searching for something, but he doesn’t know what. Then Simeon sees him. He heart leaps within him, he rushes up to Mary and Joseph, and without even asking takes the child up in his arms and praised God, singing,
“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” (Luke 2:29-32)
The Canticle of Simeon is a carol of Christmas bursting forth from a heart full of wonder and excitement. The sentiment of Simeon's Song conjures up the joyful, upbeat, rhythmic, folk music of a Jewish wedding. While we can’t dance to it, we can marvel at it and learn from it. This carol contains three sentence-length verses, each extoling a different gift brought by the birth of Christ. I’d like to work backwards through these verses as the song seems to crescendo at the beginning, rather than the end.
First, the third verse tells us that Christmas brings revelation.
• CHRISTMAS BRINGS REVELATION
One of my favorite things about this time of years is the lights. Christmas lights. Our kids get so excited whenever we drive passed a house that’s all lit up. I enjoy the final moment of the day, when all the lights in the house have been turned off except for the Christmas tree, glowing in the corner of the living room. For centuries Christians have been decorating Christmas trees with lights. Prior to our modern fiber-optic lights, candles were attached to the end of tree branches with wax or pins. Because this was a serious fire hazard, most people didn’t put their trees up until December 24, ensuring that they would only be up for a brief period of time while the tree was still fresh – and much less flammable. But they lighted these candles (almost like candles on a birthday cake) in honor of Christ’s birth.
All the twinkling lights we see at Christmas time, whether wrapped around a tree or strung up around the neighbor’s house, remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. Or, as Simeon put it: “He is a light to reveal God to the nations” (Luke 2:32 NLT).
Centuries earlier, the prophet Isaiah wrote, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine” (Isaiah 9:2 NLT). In the first chapter of John’s gospel, he said of Jesus: “his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John 1:5 NLT). Later, Jesus says of Himself, “I AM the Light of the World” (John 8:12). Jesus. Light. Dispelling darkness. Making things bright. Brighter than Christmas tree lights. Brighter than Rudolph’s nose. Brighter even than the Griswold’s house from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. A Light so bright it destroys the shadows and darkness of depravity, despair and death.
We live in a dark world, overshadowed by sin, sadness, sickness, and suffering. Into that darkness, Jesus was born. While the light of Christ illuminates many things, it shines like a spotlight on God himself. As Simeon said, “He is a light to reveal God.” In other words, through Jesus, we can see God.
For many people God has always been a mystery. What is He like? What does He think? How does He feel about people? Is He distant and unreachable? Is He sitting up there waiting to zap us when we sin? Is it possible to know Him personally? All of these questions are answered in the incarnation of Christ. If we want the most accurate picture of God, we don’t need to look any further than Jesus Christ. In Jesus we see God as God really is. Jesus himself says, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!” (John 14:9 NLT).
Jesus came into this world to show us who God is and what he’s like—to be a light to reveal God to the nations. That’s why I like Christmas lights. They remind me of Jesus. And whether they give you a sense of wonder and peace or not, whether the whole Christmas extravaganza is something you relish or could do without, just know: Wherever there is darkness, the Light of Christ shines. Nothing can put it out.
So first, Christmas brings revelation.
Furthermore, Christmas brings redemption.
• CHRISTMAS BRINGS REDEMPTION
Cradling the tiny infant Jesus in his arms and looking full into his face, Simeon saw more than a baby. He saw a side to the Christmas story that isn't often told. Those soft little hands, fashioned by the Holy Spirit in Mary's womb, were made so that nails might be driven through them. Those baby feet, pink and unable to walk, would one day walk up a dusty hill to be nailed to a cross. That sweet infant's head with sparkling eyes and eager mouth was formed so that someday men might force a crown of thorns onto it. That tender body, warm and soft, wrapped in swaddling clothes, would one day be ripped open by a spear, then wrapped in burials clothes. When Simeon looked at Jesus, he saw a Savior who would someday pay the penalty for his sins and ours. In the second verse of the Nunc Dimittis, Simeon sings, “I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people” (Luke 2:30 NLT).
Jesus came to earth, of course, for many reasons. He came to reveal God to the nations. He came to teach truth. He came to fulfill the Law. He came to establish His kingdom. He came to show us how to live. He came to reveal God’s love. He came to bring peace. He came to heal the sick. He came to minister to the needy.
But ultimately, he came to redeem a lost humanity—to be our Savior. That’s why they named him Jesus. When the Lord appeared to Joseph, He said, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NIV). The New Testament was written in Greek, thus the name Jesus is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Joshua (Yeshua), which means “Yahweh saves!” or “Yahweh is salvation!” When Simeon lifted Jesus up in his arms and cried out “I have seen your salvation!” it was a play on words, because Yeshua is literally Yahweh’s salvation. Jesus is our salvation.
And the second half of this verse is equally important: “I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people” (Luke 2:30 NLT). Most Jews in Simeon’s day were expecting a Savior, but not a Savior for all people. They were expecting a Savior for Jewish people—a Savior who would rise to power, bring an end to their oppression, topple the Roman empire, and restore Israel to her former glory. But that’s not what God had in mind. Centuries earlier, through the prophet Isaiah, God said of Jesus: “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6 NLT). Jesus didn’t come to save a select group of people. He came to save all people. Aren’t you glad? He didn’t come to save some people or certain people. He didn’t come to save tall people or thin people, or rich people or famous people. He didn’t come to save saintly people or sober people or perfect people or pretty people. There is no asterisk on the word “all.” There are no exceptions or exemptions. It’s neither hyperbole nor exaggeration. All means all.
That means there is hope for you and me at Christmastime. If you are lonely this year, Jesus came for you. If your family has rejected you, Jesus came for you. If you feel forgotten, depressed, discouraged, and down on your luck, Jesus came for you! Whatever sins are holding you back this year, Christmas means that you can be forgiven, because Jesus came for you. Jesus came to bring salvation to all people—to ends of the earth!
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, don’t make the mistake of leaving Him as a baby in a manger. Keep in mind that His birth was just the first step in God’s glorious plan of redemption. So according to Simeon, Christmas brings revelation, redemption, and—finally—Christmas brings relaxation.
• CHRISTMAS BRINGS RELAXATION
Remember that the Lord told Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Savior with his own eyes. So as soon as Simeon sets eyes on baby Jesus, he sings out: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace” (Luke 2:29 NIV).
Simeon’s first thought after embracing Jesus is that he is now ready to die. The same is true for you. You are not ready to die until you've embraced Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior the way Simeon did. You may be ready to graduate, you may be ready to buy your first home, you may be ready to retire, you may be ready to do many things—but, friend, without Jesus you are not ready to die.
So what does being ready to die have to do with relaxation!?
I’m glad you asked.
The word “dismiss” was a military word that meant “to be relieved of duty.” It was commonly used to describe a sentinel who stood watch during the long hours of the night. At last as the sun comes up over the eastern horizon, he knows his work is done. His commanding officer would dismiss him, and he could go back to his barracks to rest. That’s the way Simeon feels. The long wait is over, the years of anticipation have been fulfilled, his sentry duty is finished, for he has seen and personally held the Savior and now he’s ready to be dismissed. Simeon could finally be at peace. He could finally relax.
The same is true for us.
No other religion offers what Jesus promises. Judaism sees salvation as a Judgment Day decision based on morality. Buddhism grades your life according to the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Muslims earn their way to Allah by performing the duties of the Five Pillars of Faith. Every other religion is spelled with two letters—DO. Do this. Do that. It’s all about the things people do to try and somehow earn God’s favor or forgiveness. But Christianity is spelled with four letters—DONE. It’s not about what I do, but what Jesus has done for us. He already lived the perfect life. He paid the penalty for our sins on the cross.
Simeon knew that once he embraced Jesus as Savior, he was ready for eternity. He couldn’t be any more ready. There was nothing else he had to do to prepare. Jesus didn’t come to get you to do more or work harder. He came to give you peace and rest.
Christmas brings revelation because Jesus is the light of the world.
Christmas brings redemption because Jesus is the Savior of all people.
Christmas brings relaxation because once you’ve embraced Jesus as your Savior, you don’t have worry or work your way into heaven. You don’t have to bare the weight of your own sins. You can finally relax. You’re ready for eternity.
Conclusion
As I said at the beginning of this series, the music of Christmas is forever linked to the season of Christmas. The Carols of Christmas reach deep into our hearts and stir believers to adoration and, I suspect, stir many unbelieving hearts to reconsider the true meaning of Christmas. From the ancient “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” to the cheerful strains of “Joy to the World”; from the hauntingly beautiful chorus of “What Child Is This?” to the quiet, assuring German folk hymn “Silent Night,” we all have our favorite carols—hymns heralding the coming of Christ.
As we bring this series to a close perhaps you’ll add one of the original carols of Christmas to your list of favorites. Maybe it’ll be Mary’s song about God’s mindfulness, might, and mercy. Or perhaps Zechariah’s song of prophecy and praise. Or maybe the angel’s chorus singing praise to God and peace to the godly. Or maybe you’ll add Simeon’s song to your list of favorites.
Regardless of which carols make your top ten lists, I hope you don’t let the cacophony of competing sounds and voices keep you from hearing the message behind the music this Christmas.
Invitation
If you need the light of Christ in your life and you’re ready to follow in Simeon’s footsteps, embracing Jesus as your Savior, I’d like to encourage you to do that. Salvation is a gift you don’t have to wait until Christmas to open. You can have it right here and right now. If you need help unwrapping that present, you can pull me aside, call me at home, or come forward now while we stand and sing. Let’s stand and sing together.
