Reflection for 22nd November from Bradley ScottLuke 2 29-3229 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people,32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." NIVReflectionIn Luke 2:29-32, Simeon’s prayer, often called the Nunc Dimittis, is a powerful moment of recognition and fulfilment. Simeon, a devout and righteous man, had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. When he finally sees the infant Jesus, he praises God, declaring that he has now seen the salvation prepared for all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel.Luke 2:29-32 is a reflection of God's faithfulness to His promises. Simeon had waited, for many years, with hope and anticipation. His words indicate a profound peace and contentment, knowing that God had fulfilled his word through the arrival of Jesus, the long-awaited Saviour. Simeon doesn’t simply see Jesus as the fulfilment of a personal promise but as the fulfilment of God's salvation plan for the entire world. His proclamation that Jesus is a “light to the Gentiles” highlights the universal scope of Christ’s mission—breaking down barriers and offering redemption not just to Israel but to all nations.This passage invites us to reflect on how we await God's promises. Simeon’s readiness and patience challenge us to trust God's timing, even when his promises seem distant or delayed. Simeon also models how faith and hope in God’s promises lead to peace, as he can say, “Now let your servant depart in peace.” He recognises that true peace comes not from the world’s circumstances, but from knowing that God's salvation has come.For us, this passage is a reminder that God’s promises are trustworthy, and his salvation is available to all people, regardless of background or ethnicity. Simeon’s joyful recognition of Jesus invites us to see Jesus not just as a historical figure, but as the fulfilment of God's plan for the world, offering light, peace, and salvation to everyone. It challenges us to reflect on how we await and receive God’s promises in our lives today. Just as Simeon trusted in God's timing and faithfulness, we are encouraged to trust that God’s work is unfolding in our own lives and in the world around us.Let us PrayHeavenly Father,Like Simeon, we praise you for the gift of Jesus, our Savior, who has come to bring light into the world. We thank you that, through his birth, your promises are fulfilled, and salvation has been made available to all people.We pray, Lord, that we may also have hearts of faith like Simeon’s, trusting in your timing and your perfect plan. Help us to recognise your presence in our lives, and to live in the hope of the salvation you offer through Christ.May we, like Simeon, find peace in knowing that we have seen the fulfilment of your love through Jesus, and may we share this light with others who still seek the truth.In Jesus' name, we pray Amen. Common Worship: Collects and Post Communions, material from which is included here, is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000
2nd December Wayfarers 2pm –4pm Holy Trinity 7th December Christingle making 10am-12md St Mary’s Civic Carol Service 3pm St Margaret’s Advent Quiet Day 10am—3pm Broadwoodkelly Village Hall 8th December Christingle 3pm St Mary’s Appledore Singers Christmas Concert 2.30pm at Northam Hall 10th December Christmas Tree decorating St Margaret’s 11th –4th January Christmas Tree Festival St Margaret’s 14th December Coffee & Cake The Royal, Appledore 15th December Candlelight Carol Concert with the Appledore Band At 3pm Holy Trinity 18th December Christmas Recital 7pm St Margaret’s 22nd December Carol Service 6pm St Margaret’s Abbotsham Village Carol Service 6pm Baptist Chapel 23rd December Appledore Torchlight Procession 6.45pm from Pit Hill, 7pm St Mary’s 24th December Christmas Eve Carol Service 3pm Holy Trinity Crib Service 3pm St Mary’s Crib Service 4.30pm St Margaret’s Midnight Holy Communion 11.30pm At St Mary’s, St Helen’s, and St Margaret’s 25th December Christmas Day Holy Communion Holy Trinity 10.30am St Mary’s 10.30am St Margaret’s 10am Community Christmas Lunch 12md-3pm St Margaret’s School Northam
The repairs to the bell tower of the church started in March and work is progressing well.Once the repairs have been done the bells will be able to be rung again; we still need to raise money to complete the job, though, so any contributions to this will be welcome.
