In today’s scripture, Joseph and Mary have brought Jesus to the temple for an infant ritual, and two significant people, Simeon and Anna, are there to recognize and proclaim the significance of this child.  Celebrating the New Year is a ritual of hope, but last New Year’s Day who could have predicted this year?  Similarly, the celebration of Simeon and Anna at this ritual for the Savior was full of hope, but who could have predicted how all of that would eventually turn out?  We experience intense lows as well as highs in our lives, and through ritual we know that Jesus is with us in both extremes.  The end of Simeon’s story is not marked by his death, but by his life alongside that of Jesus.  Through the ritual, Simeon and Anna were no longer waiting but welcoming.  It reminds us of the gift of community.  (NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are livestreaming the early service only, using a chamber choir but having no congregation.  NOTE:  The video begins with the Children’s Moment, but once it starts you can scroll back to the beginning of the service if you want.  The entire service is videoed.)