Introduction
This week sees the release of ‘The Greatest Showman’. Starring Hugh Jackman, this musical film drama charts the rise of PT Barnum and his ‘Barnum and Bailey’ circus. The circus was a sensation, full of excitement and dramatic acts. The Gospel reading this week is not filled with high-wire circus acts, rather with the words of an elderly man spoken over a new born baby. However, his words are sensational, as he recognises that the baby he holds is the promised saviour of Israel.
Context
The biography of Barnum is at the very least sensational! His circus was a spectacle of acts, tricks and preforming animals. He aimed for show, describing himself as a ‘showman by profession’, and Michael Gracey’s new film certainly aims to convey the spectacular side of Barnum’s famous circus. How does this connect to todays’ Gospel reading? At first there seems little sensation in a prescribed trip to the Temple by a mother, father and their new born son. However, on arrival they are met by an elderly man who speaks some of the most powerful and sensational words over the child they have ever heard. He declares the child is the saviour that Israel has been waiting for. Simeon’s dramatic declaration does not require lights, trapeze or circus gimmicks, rather it is the truth of God’s plan that is sensational to the ears of the parents who watched and to us as we re-read Luke’s words.
Reflection
Promoted as ‘The Greatest Show on Earth,’ Barnum and Bailey’s traveling circus was not particularly modest in its billing! In its heyday, the circus was a mix of high-octane acts, animal performers and hoaxes with a museum of ‘freaks’ on the side. There is no shortage of interesting facts about the impresario Barnum; in his early days as a showman he purchased an elderly slave woman and made money by claiming she was 161 years old and the nurse of George Washington. And famously, he walked 21 elephants and 17 camels across the Brooklyn Bridge to prove the bridge was safe and strong enough for cars and pedestrians. Among the animals on the bridge was one particularly famous elephant called Jumbo.
Barnum and Bailey’s circus was loud and brash. Much of the history and stories of some of the acts in his ‘freak show’ trouble our 21st century sensibilities, but there is little doubt that Barnum saw himself as a true showman, endeavouring to entertain and amaze his audiences. He deliberately looked for the most exciting acts and it seems to be an undeniable fact that in their heyday Barnum and Bailey’s circus caused a sensation wherever they went.
Today’s Gospel reading is, in its own way, a sensation. Joseph and Mary, following the custom of their faith, present their firstborn male child at the Temple and prepare to make the sacrifices required for this ritual. As they arrive they are greeted by the elderly Simeon who, moved by the Holy Spirit, took the boy into his arms and declared him to be glory to Israel and a light for revelation to the gentiles. It is an extraordinary moment. The writer describes Mary and Joseph as ‘amazed’ but unlike Barnum’s exotic circus, their amazement is not prompted by performing elephants or high-octane acts, it is prompted by the words spoken by an elderly man cradling their new born child. Sensational words telling of a sensational plan to save and redeem all mankind.
Prayer
Use an Ignatian contemplative process to pray with this week’s Gospel story.
Open by setting the context for prayer: It’s easy at Christmas to sometimes lose the impact of Jesus’ birth, and the sensation of Emmanuel – God with us.
Invite the congregation to step into Mary and Joseph’s shoes, and to ‘see’ again the sensation of God incarnate.
Encourage everyone to close their eyes, and to picture Mary and Joseph walking into the Temple with their new born baby. You could add further details about the Temple, and the ritual of redemption to help people really picture the scene.
After a brief pause, invite people to observe an elderly man approach the couple and their child. Picture the moment in which he takes the child into his arms. Ask the congregation to listen as you read the words spoken over the child (encourage people to keep their eyes shut and to really use their imagination to look afresh at this scene). Read Luke 2.29-32:
‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.’
Now, encourage everyone to see the amazement on the faces on Mary and Joseph. Invite people to try and feel their emotional response to these words. What questions would they like to ask Mary and Joseph? Is there anything you would like to ask Simeon? As they sit quietly, invited people to imagine they are in conversation with these characters, asking their questions.
Bring the contemplation towards an end by asking people to think about what has struck them most deeply. Allow a moment for them to think about this. Finish with a prayer:
Father God,
As Simeon saw the Christ child,
may we truly see your glory.
As Mary and Joseph marvelled at Simeon’s words,
may we marvel again at the wonder of your incarnation.
As we approach a new year,
give us fresh eyes to see the sensation of your birth
and to give praise like Simeon and Anna.
Amen.
Questions
- Which parts of the Gospel reading do you find sensational?
- What do you see when you look at Jesus?
Action
As we move into the new year, practise praising God in a new way. You may like to put a note on your bathroom mirror reminding you to praise God each morning, or perhaps download a new worship song and listen to it every day for a week or you may like to make a list of 10 things you are thankful for and read it as a prayer of praise.
Young people
Invite the young people to draw up some plans:
- To get to the moon and back
- To set up and run a new school
- To train a cat
Discuss with the young people God’s plan for humanity using the words of Simeon in Luke 2.25-32.
Fiona Dorman is a freelance writer, workshop facilitator, educator and mediator, living in Bristol.
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