Shalom! My name is Simeon. I thank God for His grace, giving me a long and full life, for I have seen my children's children grown to maturity.

Yet, for many years, I have had a strange restlessness for something more, and have cried out to God continually for the nation. God has revealed to me that, old as I am, I would live to see his Anointed One.

On the day that it happened, I was drawn to the Temple where I saw a baby boy, carried by his mother to the Temple for his redemption and her purification, according to the law of Moses. They were a very ordinary looking couple and so poor that they could afford only two doves as a sacrifice. But by the Spirit of the Lord I saw the baby as he truly was.

I took the child from the arms of his surprised mother. (When you are old, you are allowed to be unpredictable.) I looked at him, then gazed up into heaven and said, "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."

As I introduced myself to Joseph and Mary, they looked at me with wonder, but I could tell that they already knew something of the remarkable nature of their child. I saw at the same time that the immense privilege carried with it great responsibility and terrible sorrow. So I blessed them and said, "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

Having seen the Promised One and held him in my arms, my life is complete. The story is yet to be played out in all its complexities, but I know that the Lord has not forgotten his people and that the everlasting kingdom will soon begin.

And for all of this, I thank the Almighty Lord God of Israel, that He gave me grace to see His plan and do my small part, and also that He has already chosen others to complete the task.

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