Jesus Presented at the Temple

²¹When the 8 days were completed for the circumcision of the child, he was named Jesus — the name the angel had given before he was conceived in the womb. ²²When the time came for the purification ceremony required by the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. ²³This was in keeping with what is written in the law of the LORD: "Every firstborn male shall be set apart as holy to the Lord." ²⁴They also offered the sacrifice required by the law of the Lord: "A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." ²⁵Look, there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devoted, waiting for Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶And it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. ²⁷Led by the Spirit, Simeon went into the temple that day. When Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus in to carry out the customary requirements of the law, ²⁸Simeon took the baby in his arms, praised God, and said, ²⁹“Lord, now you are releasing your servant in peace, according to your word. ³⁰"My own eyes have seen your salvation —" ³¹"which you have prepared for all people to see —" ³²a light to give light to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.” ³³Joseph and his mother were amazed at the things Simeon said about the child. ³⁴Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, “Look, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel and as a sign that will be spoken against. ³⁵"And a sword will pierce your own soul as well — so that the hidden thoughts of many hearts will be exposed." ³⁶There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. She was very old and had lived with her husband for seven years from her virginity; ³⁷And she was a widow of about 84 years, who never left the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day. ³⁸She came up to them at that very moment, gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke about him to all who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.