Reformation Themes: February 2017

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Presentation of Christ- Light for the Nations- Luke 2:32

February 2 has several associations. Especially among Americans, it is known as Groundhog Day, which is based on an old German custom involving a badger. More importantly, it is the 40th day after the Feast of the Nativity or Christmas.

St. Luke 2 tells us that Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Jerusalem to perform her purification rites and Christ's redemption rites as first-born male. In the course of these events, the aged holy man Simeon and the prophetess Anna speak of the promises of redemption. Simeon speaks in his hymn of Christ as "a light to lighten the nations." This phrase is a summary of Christ's mission and the theme of the Epiphany season. It is also an indication of what we are about as Christ's Church. We have received the light of Christ, and we seek to reflect His light in our lives.

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit: The holy Christian (catholic) Church; The Communion of Saints: The Forgiveness of sins: The Resurrection of the body: And the Life everlasting. Amen

Nicene Creed

I BELIEVE in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And of all things visible and invisible: And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God; Begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of very God; Begotten, not made; Being of one substance with the Father; By whom all things were made: Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, And was made man: And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried: And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures: And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father: And he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, The Lord, and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the Prophets: And I believe one holy Christian (or catholic) and Apostolic Church: I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins: And I look for the Resurrection of the dead: And the Life of the world to come. Amen.