Jesus Presented at the Temple (LUK 2:22-38)

[2:22] And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord

[2:23] (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”)

[2:24] and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

[2:25] Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

[2:26] And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

[2:27] And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law,

[2:28] he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

[2:29] “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;

[2:30] for my eyes have seen your salvation

[2:31] that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

[2:32] a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

[2:33] And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.

[2:34] And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed

[2:35] (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

[2:36] And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,

[2:37] and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.

[2:38] And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.