Depart in peace

Read

²⁵ And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. ²⁶ And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. ²⁷ And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, ²⁸ Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, ²⁹ Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: ³⁰ For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, ³¹ Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; ³² A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Reflect

Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the temple, an event many churches keep as the Presentation of the Lord on February 2, forty days after Christmas. Simeon takes the child in his arms and prays, 'Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace'; Anglicans sing his song at Evening Prayer and Catholics at Night Prayer.

Pray

Lord, Simeon waited his whole life and was not disappointed. Let my eyes see your salvation, and let me end this year in your peace. Amen.