“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

Luke 2:29-32

When Simeon takes the Christ child up in His arms and declares that God has fulfilled His Word in the coming of this child, it is not just the Lord’s promise to Simeon, but the promise revealed through the prophet Isaiah that this Messiah would be a light for the nations as well. During the Epiphany season, we bask in the long-promised Light who has pierced the darkness. This Child is the hope of all the world – people from every nation – who long for God’s promised deliverance.

We still live in a world full of the darkness of sin and unbelief. Darkness covers the lands as abuse and neglect fill the news and the streets. Slavery has not truly been abolished in any land. The nations of the earth have failed to bring hope and peace.

However, Jesus Christ is the light of the world; the light no darkness can overcome. Each time we receive the blessed Sacrament, we lift our voices with Simeon’s in the hopeful refrain that we can depart in peace because salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone. He is the true light for all nations and all people. In a world of darkness, this is the message and hope that we proclaim – Jesus, a Light for the nations.

Prayer –Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel. Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan