God of mystery, God of glory, we will laugh with you.
Candles and Conifers, Ruth Burgess

Simeon with the infant Jesus in the temple, Rembrant

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." Luke 2:25-32

'For my eyes have seen your salvation'. Some eyes grow dim, whilst others sparkle, even when familiar with both sorrow and joy. They bless and they heal. It's easy to imagine Simeon's eyes glistening as he speaks. Simeon to me reflects God, both eternal and youthful. Seen it all, yes, and still fresh and clear, and a contagious hearty laugh to boot.

Eyes that sparkle

God of promise, God of wisdom, we will wait with you
God of justice, God of integrity, we will walk with you
God of mystery, God of glory we will laugh with you.

Candles and Conifers, Ruth Burgess