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In Jerusalem lived a man named Simeon who was a good man and godly. He was waiting for the time when God would take away Israel's sorrow, and the Holy Spirit was in him.
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Simeon had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he saw the Christ promised by the Lord.
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The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. When Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple to do what the law said they must do,
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Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God:
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"Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant, die in peace as you said.
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With my own eyes I have seen your salvation,
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which you prepared before all people.
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It is a light for the non-Jewish people to see and an honor for your people, the Israelites."
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Jesus' father and mother were amazed at what Simeon had said about him.
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Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, "God has chosen this child to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God that many people will not accept
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so that the thoughts of many will be made known. And the things that will happen will make your heart sad, too."