By Isaac Ato MENSAH
Accra – 31 December, 2018
It is the end of the year by the Gregorian calendar; time for stock taking.
Most Christians around the world are celebrating the birth of the Infant King.
In a few days’ time, Jews and some Christian sects will celebrate the Epiphany – the day the Wise Men discovered and presented their gifts to Emmanuel, God with us.
This Christian festival is based on the Jewish celebration of Lights.
The birth of Jesus the Nazarene about 2000 years ago was a sign of endings and new beginnings.
Simeone the High Priest got that message clear.
Simeone’s message is recorded in the book of Luke chapter 2: 25-32.
It states (Book of Common Prayer version 1662),
‘Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel’.
At the end of the calendar year, many organisations will organise end of year parties, reflect on their activities in 2018 by way of a few speeches and rededicate their work into the hands of the Deity.
This is right.
For in Him we live and move and have our being – Acts 17:28a.
Most of the ethical principles that should guide our work have a religious foundation.
Man’s crowning achievement is to do God’s will; it is if you like, to submit to the will of God.
If at the end of each day our hearts can say with Simeone, ‘Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace’ then we can be sure we are on the right path.
May He grant us a New Year in which we shall continue to do His will in our homes, offices and schools.
The Canticle of Simeone, also called the Nunc Dimittis (Latin, meaning ‘Now you dismiss’) is not only a prayer for the end of one’s life, end of the year or just an evening prayer; it is a prayer for everyday.
It is a reminder to all people ‘of good will’ to do the will of God everyday and single moment of their lives.
May He – The Most High, the Almighty Father and Supreme Ruler of the Universe, the Master of the Day of Judgement – have mercy on us all and grant us a Happy New Year.
Season’s greetings and Happy New Year 2019!!!
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