Ordinary faithfulness. Mary and Joseph bring their baby to the temple to do what the law required: circumcision, naming, and purification. No real fanfare. At least not anymore than any other family. Just a young couple trying to be obedient. And what stands out is that they offer plain birds - a pair of turtledoves or pigeons - the sacrifice given allowance for those who can’t provide the regular one. If they had money, they would have brought a lamb. Instead, they bring what they can. It’s a small but important reminder: Jesus was born into a particular socio-economic, and his family participated in the rituals of faith from that posture. It’s not that he couldn’t have been born into a different family, right? But he wasn’t.
Meanwhile, we can be sure that life around rolls on. Caesar’s decrees still stand. Herod still rules unjustly. In the midst of it, we have Simeon, full of the Spirit, proclaiming salvation but also warns of opposition, conflict, and even a sword that will pierce Mary’s soul. Who was Simeon but a person of faith persisting? Then there’s Anna, who has lived decades of quiet service, adding her own testimony. Who was Anna? Just an individual of long-standing faithfulness.
God is at work, but not in obvious or “all-is-well” ways.
This is what it means to live faithfully in the ordinary. Mary and Joseph didn’t skip their part. Simeon and Anna didn’t stop showing up. They trusted that God’s purposes were unfolding. Maybe our calling is the same. Keep walking in ordinary obedience, bringing whatever we have, even when it feels small, even when the fires of the world rage on.
Luke 2:21-40
When eight days had passed, Jesus’ parents circumcised him and gave him the name Jesus. This was the name given to him by the angel before he was conceived. When the time came for their ritual cleansing, in accordance with the Law from Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (It’s written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord.”) They offered a sacrifice in keeping with what’s stated in the Law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.
A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout. He eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Jesus’ parents brought the child to the temple so that they could do what was customary under the Law. Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said,
“Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word,
because my eyes have seen your salvation.
You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples.
It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and a glory for your people Israel.”
His father and mother were amazed by what was said about him. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.”
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, who belonged to the tribe of Asher. She was very old. After she married, she lived with her husband for seven years. She was now an 84-year-old widow. She never left the temple area but worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day. She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
When Mary and Joseph had completed everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown, Nazareth in Galilee. The child grew up and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.
Psalm
Lord, my heart isn’t proud; my eyes aren’t conceited. I don’t get involved with things too great or wonderful for me. No. But I have calmed and quieted myself like a weaned child on its mother; I’m like the weaned child that is with me.
Prayer
God,
Thank you for the ordinary ways your salvation comes among us, through daily and seasonal rhythms, through community, through old saints who pray, through parents who show up and do the next faithful thing. Help me not to despise the ordinary or grow restless in it.
Find you in the meal.
See you in the sunlight.
Know your love in my children.
Recognize your face in my neighbor.
Breathe your Spirit in every moment.
Even when the world feels like it’s raging, show me how to live faithfully today, in quiet, consistent ways that point to Jesus.
By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.
God is at work, but not in obvious or “all-is-well” ways.
Thank you, God. Even when I don't see it, you're working. You never stop working. Amen.