Simeon’s song: Luke 2 [New Song]

I confess I’d already had Simeon on my brain. I’ve been intrigued by the songs that are embedded in the New Testament – and Simeon gives us one of the earlier ones in Luke 2.

Its the story of an old man who has held out to see God’s salvation ‘in the land of the living’ (Psalm 27). He is drawn to the temple when Jesus is there to be presented as an 8 day old infant, and he gets his wish. The Holy Spirit leads him to Jesus, and somehow, in that helpless, wrinkly child, he sees the salvation of his people.

So when Cathy and Rob started talking Simeon in the church office yesterday, and how his story provides the pivot point where anticipation becomes celebration, I thought it was time to start writing. I’d also tried to write a song using the line, ‘Keep watch with me’ on three separate occasions before this. Perhaps it would work this time?

Work it did. I found such inspiration in the brief story of this old, faithful watchman – who ‘through prayer and through pain, his hope had not strayed.’ 

At present, my family and I are in a place where we have to wait – there’s only so much we can do, and there are things we simply can’t force. I’m finding Simeon to be a good travelling companion, he is teaching me the art of faithful watching, of joyous celebration, and of blissful rest.

Here’s the song, and the lyrics are below. I’ve made the song downloadable as a Christmas gift. If you’d like to use it as part of a Christmas service – please feel free, and please let people know where they can find more (ie here!) I’d love to hear what you think of the song.

I’m just an old man