Luke 2:25-35

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.  This man was righteous and devout, and looking forward to the liberty of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah.  27 He came in the Spirit into the Temple; and when Jesus’ parents brought Him in to do for Him what the law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God; he said,

29  ‘Now, O Master, let Your servant go in peace,

  according to Your word;

30  for my eyes have seen Your salvation,

31      which You have made ready in the sight of all,

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles

  and glory for Your people Israel.’

33 Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what was said about Him.  34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, ‘This child is appointed to bring about the fall and the rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be rejected 35 (and a sword will pierce your own soul too) so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed.’

translation by Paul H Ashby © 2010 all rights reserved