Sunday Reflection: Today in our church calendar, we read from the scriptures, Jesus Is Presented in the Temple. We are told that God is the one who gives Jesus his name. In giving Jesus his name, God is telling us something important about Jesus’ character and the role he will play in the story of God’s love.

It was apparently the custom in Jesus’ day that every firstborn shall be designated as holy to the Lord. The beginning of the story of Jesus is part of the larger, ongoing story of God’s love for God’s people. Jesus’ presentation also tells us how faithful and obedient his parents were to God’s will.

The second part of this narrative contains the revelation of God to Simeon what he was waiting for. This moment is what Simeon had waited for, prayed for, and looked for guided by the Holy Spirit. For Simeon this was all he needed. According to him, he could die now.

God is still with us, God is still responding to human needs and human cries and the groans of this world. For Simeon, those eyes on that boy Jesus were consolation for Israel, while for Anna Jesus was the redemption of Israel, a sight for consolation for centuries of captivity, exile, and silent tears.

But not all are gifted with certain eyes. Not all are excited about the sight for certain eyes. Presently, our times are in need of you and I to proclaim redemption and bring back to eyes to focus that Jesus came for all of us to save and restore this beautiful creation of God.

Rector’s Corner: I just want to say Thank you to each and every member of our parish family for making our advent and Christmas observance a blessing to all you. Your continued commitment and faithfulness to our parish life provide stability and vitality to our mission. May God continue to bless you in the New Year!

Prayer Request: During Advent, I sent out a note asking you to please assist us in updating our prayer list for Family and Friends. We would like to know if there is a possibility to do a mission (outreach) program. We would be grateful if you could let me know where they are and how are they doing. Please send me a short note in our church email address at saintmichaels@telus.net or use the prayer request form on this bulletin.

Annual Reports: All Ministry coordinators are requested to submit your 2017 Annual Reports on or before Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. This is in preparation for our Annual Vestry Meeting (or A.G.M.) on Feb. 25, 2018.