"Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace,
according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel." (Luke 2:27-32)
This is quite a scne - an aged, holy man holding the two-month-old Jesus in his arms, looking into Jesus' face ... and talking to God.
The name "Simeon" ("God has heard") characterizes him as a man of hope. He trusts in God and speaks of peace and light and salvation and glory.
Simeon's words have become part of the night prayer of the Church, used in the Liturgy of the Hours at the end of every day of the year. This canticle is known as the Nunc Dimittis, Latin for the first words of the prayer, "Now you may let your servant go ..."
That's a good way ot end each day. You go to bed and rest in peace, entrusting yourself into the hands of God. You can do it in Simeon's words, or you can use your won. Just one short sentence would do it: "Lord, as I go to sleep, I place myself into your hands."
A holy thing to do.
- Little Blue Book, Diocese of Saginaw