Luke 2.25-35
There are many words that we can use to describe the end of a year. There is a word that we shall be using over in the next days: WISH. What is the meaning? When we greet each other we normally use this expression: I wish you a very good new year.
If we analyse both passages there is this expression WISH. In the first passage the prophet wished that the Jewish people could have a better future. Moreover, the prophet expressed some wishes: I will pour out my Spirit in all people; your sons and daughters will prophesy; your old men will dream dreams; your young men will see…
The most beautiful wish in this passage is that the old men will dream dreams. This is very revolutionary, because human beings don’t expect to have dreams in last years of life. In the Bible this feeling is not true, since the first bible stories we can see God realizing dreams: For instance, when Abraham and Sarah had Isaac in old age; Hannah who was a sterile woman and she gave birth to Samuel; Solomon could build the Temple of Jerusalem; Nehemiah rebuilt the wall and the Temple of Jerusalem, etc.
My people can dream, says God. My people can expect something new, this is the hope.
The dream is the life blood of life. As the blood is one of the most important components in our body. Dreams are what can drive our lives day-by-day. One person without dreams is a person without a meaning.
Everybody knows Martin Luther kings expression: I have a dream! Luther expressed this in his intention to banish racism in the USA. Ghandi had a dream to promote peace in India. Nelson Mandela spent 25 years in prison wrestling against Apartheid in South Africa. And there are many other important people around the world who have worked to promote a better life for everybody.
The second passage tells us about Simeon. I have an especial affection for this story. First of all, because we can see in this passage a person who didn’t give up his life or his beliefs. Secondly, he had a very especial dream: to see Jesus, the Saviour of the world. Third, his conviction was impressive. He said: “Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace”. Finally, he was driven by a purpose.
In fact, Simeon encourages us today to see our lives, relations, church and future differently. When he saw Jesus it was an amazing experience. “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel”. Please continue to next page
