²²

Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord

²³

(as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD"),

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."

²⁵

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

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.

²⁷

So he came by 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,

²⁸

he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

²⁹

Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word;

³⁰

For my eyes have seen Your salvation

³¹

Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,

³²

A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel."

³³

And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.

³⁴

Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against

³⁵

(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

³⁶

Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;

³⁷

and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

³⁸

And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

³⁹

So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.

⁴⁰

And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.