The document reflects on the story of Simeon, who proclaimed hope upon seeing the Christ child, emphasizing the importance of recognizing hope in ordinary people and everyday moments. It challenges readers to contemplate their daily encounters and the potential for redemption and hope they bring. Ultimately, the document encourages fostering faith and peace, teaching that belief in a hopeful future is vital, even in the face of difficult circumstances.

1. There is an ancient
story told of a man
named Simeon who
upon seeing the
Christ Child,
exclaimed that his life
was complete and that
he understood that
hope and for the
world was at hand

2. He uses these words:
Now, you can let me
die in peace, Lord;
You kept Your word
to me. I have seen
the One who will
save your people.

3. The Story as it is
told emphasizes the
ordinariness of
every character.
I like to imagine
that this Man
proclaimed the
same thing with
every child he met.

4. Can it be
that hope
for the
world is in
the ordinary
every day?

5. Do we look at the
ordinary people
who cross our
paths – everyday
and see the
redemption of the
world in them?

6. This man’s words
were eventually
turned into a
prayer intended to
be used as part of
Evensong in
some traditions

7. Now think about that
for the moment –at
the end of everyday
could you proclaim
that you have seen
something that gives
you hope that all will
be well with the
future and you can
now depart in peace?

8. Think about what
you deal with in a
typical day – do
you believe that
the people you
encounter will
save the world?
That you will?

9. At Best, Maybe
sometimes….
More likely you
could recount the
things that have
made you feel the
opposite.

10. The man in that
ancient story
understood that – he
talked about the
difficult days ahead –
described them to the
child’s Mom as being
like a knife stabbing
her in the heart

11. The man in that
ancient story
understood that – he
talked about the
difficult days ahead –
described them to the
child’s Mom as being
like a knife stabbing
her in the heart

12. But still he had hope..
That’s what
we need too
And we need to teach
our children that they
are our hope for the
future and for the
world

13. This is what faith is.
To look around us –
at the common,
unlikely events
around us and
proclaim hope to
recognize God’s
redemption in those
unlikely events.

14. To see all around us
the beginning of
hope for the world,
for the future and to
believe that God’s
purposes extend far
beyond the present
moment.

15. May we end each day
in faith, In peace, in
the belief that what
we have done,
and seen
has been the sign that
all will be well
in the world.