NATIVITY By Mike Herron

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

This song-prophecy known as the ‘Nunc Dimittus’, Latin for ‘Lord, Now Let Your Servant Depart,’ 4 is flavored with adoration and praise like the best of the psalms. He addresses God as Sovereign Lord - Master; and himself as servant- slave. The image between the light and being able to see God’s Messiah has already been introduced in Zecharias’ song. Simeon emphasizes salvation for all nations and the Gentiles in keeping with underlying theme of Luke’s gospel. Jesus is the crowning glory ‘ doxa’ of Israel, whose birth was the greatest honor God had bestowed upon His nation. 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Simeon’s words confirmed everything that had been previously spoken about their son. He now addresses Mary alone because Joseph will not be alive to see the fulfillment of the prophecy. Up to this point ‘Mary had heard only the glorious part of Jesus’ work, now she hears the painful part.’ 5 The child will cause many to ‘fall’ in the irrationality of unbelief but many will ‘rise’ to new life through faith in Jesus. The greater part of the nation will reject their Messiah because of their hardened hearts. The sword that would pierce Mary’s soul is ‘a large sword, properly a long Thracian javelin…’ 6 fulfilled in the