January 30, 2025
Luke 2:22-40
Scripture readings
for Sunday, Feb. 2
Malachi 3:1-4
Psalm 84
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2:22-40
REFLECTIONS
Pastor Ivy Gauvin
This story is a study in contrasts: the infant Jesus with the aged prophets; the joy of birth with the ominous words of Simeon to Mary; the faithful fulfilling of the law with the presentation of the one who will release its hold over us. Through it all, we see the light of God’s salvation revealed to the world. (sundaysandseasons.com).
That puts everything about this story so succinctly and clearly. Again, as in previous weeks, we have the work of the Holy Spirit. God’s revelation to Simeon about the baby Jesus before he ever saw him. The Spirit guided him into the temple. Simeon didn’t know he would meet the baby messiah there, but God did.
I can’t help but wonder how the parents felt when this prophet of God took Jesus out of their arms and spoke the wonderful words to them. Wouldn’t we have felt protective?
And then Simeon’s words to Mary, “and a sword will pierce your own soul too” (v. 34). Yes, we know that’s about Jesus’ crucifixion, but I’m sure there’s more to this. As parents, we know we suffer when our children, whether young or adult, are hurt in any way. Simeon clearly said that Jesus would be opposed. His road would be a hard one to hoe.
If that isn’t enough, along comes elderly, widowed Anna, who spoke about Jesus to all who were looking for “the redemption of Jerusalem,” the holy city, the place of the temple, and God’s residence.
Did Jesus understand any of these words? As a baby, he didn’t, except that the same Holy Spirit was upon and in him as was on Simeon and Anna. I’m sure the Holy Spirit in him resonated with those prophecies. And so, “The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him” (v. 40). May those same words of growing and strengthening and filling with wisdom and God’s favor be true of us as well.
22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, [Mary and Joseph] brought [Jesus] up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
• For our community of faith as we seek to do God’s work in the world.
• For those in our congregation and community who suffer silently with illness, financial burdens, and family obligation.
• For people affected by coronavirus, their families, essential workers, doctors, nurses, aides, those working in nursing homes, etc.
• For Judy Kelly, Ann Saar, Kay Marker Magneson, Roy Pihl, George Balcom, Thom Shagla, Linda Fryberger, Heather Miller, Bryan Dahlberg, Roland Lepier, Lois Rumfelt, Nick Johnson, Eileen Beichner, Pastor Gerry Zimmerman, James Dieter, Joe Gauvin, Emerson Allaby, John Gingrass, those serving in the military and law enforcement and their families, including Sean Pecuch, and Ben Wickerham, those caught up in violence and war who have no safe home in which to live.
• For all children, that the love of Christ may reach them through all of us who have resources to love, protect, pray and provide for them.
• For the ELCZ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe and ELCZa Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Names will remain of the Prayer List for a month - at which
time it will be taken off unless, or course, there is still a continued need
for our prayers and we’re asked to keep the name on.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This week…
Feb. 2 Worship at 10:00 am with communion
Feb. 3 & 5 Healthy Bones 9 am
Feb. 3 Dog Lessons 4:15 pm
Feb. 6 Tai Chi 9 :30 am and 12:00 pm
Feb. 7 Tai Chi 11:00 am
***Infection update: Dr. Faulk, Chautauqua County Health
Director and Chief Medical Officer as of 1/27/25, advises to avoid transmission of disease by washing hands frequently.
Sanitizer does NOT kill the current “bugs” causing
infections. We are advising NO shaking hands with others
during passing of the peace. Keep well and safe everyone!!
VALENTINE COFFEE
Join us on February 16
for treats and Fellowship
Congregational Vitality Survey
On February 2nd we will be starting the Congregational Vitality Survey. This is a tool to help us look at St. Timothy and see where we are as a congregation – our strengths and weaknesses. This survey has 36 questions, each one has 3 choices to answer. You pick the one that best describes St. Timothy. You can’t leave an answer blank. We hope that everyone will take the survey. We will send everyone a link to access the survey. Click on the link and fill it out.
For anyone that doesn’t get email or doesn’t have access to a computer or tablet, let Kristie or any council member know. We will give you a paper version to fill out. Then Kathy or I will fill it out online for you.
Any questions – call or text Kristie (716-485-3931).
We have until February 19th to complete the surveys. Thank you ahead of time for your participation!
5 & 2 Ministry
24/25 SCHOOL YEAR
NEXT PACK NIGHT IS TUESDAY, FEB 25
If you are currently a volunteer, we would love to have your support again this year. If you're looking for a wonderful way to give back to your community, please consider volunteering 1 time a month packing bags of food for area students.
We continuously collect food items for the 5 & 2 Ministry. Bring your donations and place in the black bin in church narthex. Lists detailing items needed are also available in the narthex. Monetary donations welcome! Contact Gale-Svenson-Campbell for details gales1949@gmail.com
Anyone that has any pictures or stories that they would like to share? Send them to sttimothy2015@gmail.com
Pastor Ivy Gauvin
