Jesus Presented in the Temple
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, (as it is written in the law of the Lord, every first born male shall be designated as holy to the Lord'), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law. Simeon took him in his arm and praised God saying,
your servant in peace,
according to your word
for my eyes have seen your
salvation,
which you have prepared in the
presence of all people,
a light of revelation for the Gentiles
and for glory to your people
Israel'
And the child father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, 'This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed- and a sword will pierce your own soul too'.
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years aster her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At the moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
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