Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.”
- Luke 2:29-32

This is the prayer Simeon prayed over Jesus when Mary and Joseph brought him to the temple to be dedicated to the Lord, as was the custom at the time.
 
Simeon had watched and waited and hoped and prayed that he might live to see the day when the Messiah would arrive. In his lifetime he would have seen the rise of zealot after zealot, hoping to free Israel from Roman occupation. Judas the son of Hezekiah failed, as did Simon of Perea and Anthronges the shepherd. Simeon would have watch with grief as his nation descended deeper and deeper into their vassal status, a far cry from their longed-for destiny.
 
But something came alive in him when he met Jesus. Here was no leader. Here was no hero. Jesus was just a baby. But the Holy Spirit gave Simeon eyes to see the specialness of Jesus.
 
Imagine what it would be like to hold the hope of your nation in your hands. Simeon wouldn’t live to hear Jesus preach. He wouldn’t see a single miracle. He would never get to hear the story of the crucifixion and resurrection. But he could depart in peace. He had what he needed.
 
What will it take for you to experience God’s peace? What are you hoping for from God as you head into the new year? Have you shared your hopes with the Lord and asked him for help fulfilling or reshaping your hopes? Try that today.