Luke 2:22-38 (NRSV)
Read Luke 2:22-38 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord Verse 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), Verse 24and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."
Verse 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. Verse 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Verse 27Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Verse 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, Verse 29"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; Verse 30for my eyes have seen your salvation, Verse 31which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, Verse 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." Verse 33And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Verse 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed Verse 35so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-and a sword will pierce your own soul too." Verse 36There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, Verse 37then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. Verse 38At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Devotion
I have always loved the story of Simeon being presented with the baby Jesus, the Messiah. The best thing about this story is that it applies to us as well. We are promised that we will meet the Messiah: in our Baptism, through our growing faith, and even unto our earthly death. However, wherever we may be in our earthly walk, when we meet Jesus Christ, the Messiah, face-to-face, it is then that we can sing, with Simeon, "Lord, lettest now your 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. A light to lighten the gentiles, and the glory of thy people, Israel."
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us to see you in all whom we meet. Guide our hands of service and loving, for it is you to whom we minister. Amen.