INTRODUCTION: [This portion is read from the lecturn by the introducer or narrator.]

Though Romans troops and unscrupulous tax collectors caused many peole in Palestine to despair, there were those who waited patiently for the deliverance they were sure God would accomplish.

Among their number was an old and saintly man named Simeon. Simeon looked to God’s promise of a Messiah as His source of personal comfort, and the only hope of Israel. He kept the faith. He sang through the storm and trials of life. When the Messiah appeared, he was among the few who recognized Him.

The day Mary and Joseph brought the Child to the Temple, Simeon was praying expectantly, as was his custom. As soon as he saw the Babe in His mother’s arms, he knew the promise was fulfilled.

Listen then as Simeon speaks of …