Simeon

 

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon,

who was righteous and devout.  He was waiting for

the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was

upon Him.  It had been revealed to him by the

Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had

seen the Lord's Christ.

Luke 2:25-26

The old man who waylaid Mary and Joseph in the Temple had been searching every day throughout the courtyard for the One who had been foretold by the prophets.  With eyes sharpened by the gift of the Holy Spirit, he instantly recognized the baby Jesus as the Christ - the Messiah.  Taking the child in his arms, he proclaimed:

Sovereign Lord, as You have promised,

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.

While Mary and Joseph were trying to digest the meaning of these strange words, Simeon pronounced a blessing on the parents, and then turned directly to Mary:

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 hearts of many

will be revealed.

And a sword will pierce your own soul too.