Sounds of Peace
The Song of Simeon is also known as the nunc dimmitis. It refers to the words spoken when Mary brings Jesus to the Temple. As Mary presents Jesus, Simeon speaks these words ‘Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word, because my eyes have seen your salvation’ (Luke 2:29). Mary and Joseph ponder the meaning of Simeon’s words because in a very short phrase he has revealed what the birth of Jesus means for him personally and for the entire world.
Simeon had been promised by the Holy Sprit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah (Luke 2:26). This promise reveals an erie irony—birth brings death; a heavenly proclamation brings pain; joy is accompanied by sorrow. Simeon clarifies his words by speaking directly toward Mary and Joseph in a way that is relevant both personally and generally for all humanity. Simeon says ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too’ (Luke 2:34-35).
The warning regarding the impact of the birth and life of Jesus upon the world promises the disruption of any assumptions of peace that the joy of a new baby would typically bring. The silence that follows could indicate fear, confusion or dread. The interpretation of the silence and the appreciation of the silence is surrounded by both a historic and a modern application. In this section of his book “Experiencing Christmas:Christ in the Sights and Sounds of Advent,” Matt Rawle simply states “sometimes we need to sit in the silence to listen to someone else’s heart.”
In the silence that is realized when we stop speaking and begin listening not only to the words that others are speaking, but also recognizing the words they are reluctant to speak, can we identify the constraints that bind us from true peace. In the lyrics of “Beams of Heaven,” Charles Albert Tindley pens the words ‘guide my feet in peaceful ways.’ These words portray a compelling image of the places we choose to go and the people with whom we choose to stand. The illusive peace of Advent for which we are all seeking, may be best heard in our connections with each other. Listening more attentively to the silence.
During our collective prayer times, we listen for the muffled tears and sniffles that are sometimes the only indications of the pain and frustration that our neighbors carry. Around the tables where we gather or even along the streets where we live, which houses are the ones that rarely seem to reflect any activity—while there may not be growing piles of newspapers or unshoveled walkways, there may be curtains that seem to never part or doors that never open. Amidst the hopes and expectations of Advent, make space for the silences that can reveal the unfulfilled promises to which our neighbors perilously still cling. May the words that you ultimately speak allow them to feel the presence of God.
Reach out to those you haven’t seen recently to remind them how much they are missed. Share their names with the staff and the class leaders so we can also reach out to them. Advent is the season during which we are all led to gather around the manger to marvel at the birth of the Prince of Peace and to be reminded of the Light that has shone in darkness.
We are looking forward to seeing you in class and in worship.
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
