Simeon was an old man in Jerusalem who had been waiting his whole life for one moment. Luke tells us that "this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that He would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ" (Luke 2:25-26). When Mary and Joseph brought the 40-day-old Jesus to the temple to present Him according to the Law (Luke 2:22-24), Simeon — moved by the Spirit — came into the temple at just that moment. He took the baby in his arms and blessed God with the prayer that has been called the Nunc Dimittis (Latin: "Now dismiss"): "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32). Simeon then turned to Mary and spoke words of haunting prophecy: "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35). Simeon is the picture of patient waiting rewarded. For decades he had watched for the Messiah; in one moment of Spirit-led timing, he held salvation in his hands. He could die now — not in despair, but in peace. Every Christian has this same prayer: "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen Your salvation."