Contemplative Bible Reading

Luke 2:27-28 (New Living Translation)

27 That day the Spirit led him (Simeon) to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God…

This is part of the (hi)story of Simeon and Anna in the Temple in Jerusalem. Simeon was “righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel.” (verse 25) Anna was a prophet who “never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer.” (verse 37). These two elderly and devout Jews stayed in the Temple waiting.

In walks a young couple to present their baby as the law required. That is all that Joseph and Mary did: meet the basic requirements of religious practice and present their baby in the Temple.

A young couple walks in a church building with their newborn baby. Just another Sunday? Anything unusual or miraculous? Sure it is unusual and miraculous. It is unusual in that it is the only time in the lives of the couple and the child that this happens—there is only one first time. Miraculous? Yes, the birth of a child is a miracle. The desire of folks to bring their child into a gathering of Christians is wonderful.

But, this happens all the time. Really? Miracle? Yes, miracle. Let us not grow insensitive to it. I remember the first time my son and his wife brought their new babies into the church building. WOW! There is that WOW every time every newborn is brought in. It may not be as special to me individually as seeing my grandchild, but that is my fault, my problem, my shortcoming that I need to correct.

Presenting the baby is a miracle. Let’s treat it as such.