Read Luke 2:22-40
22 The
time came for Joseph and Mary to perform the ceremony of purification, as the
Law of Moses commanded. So they took the child to Jerusalem to present him to
the Lord, 23as it is written in the law of the Lord: “Every firstborn
male is to be dedicated to the Lord.” 24They also went to offer a
sacrifice of a pair of doves or two young pigeons, as required by the law of
the Lord.
25 At
that time there was a man named Simeon living in Jerusalem. He was a good,
God-fearing man and was waiting for Israel to be saved. The Holy Spirit was
with him 26and had assured him that he would not die before he had
seen the Lord’s promised Messiah. 27Led by the Spirit, Simeon went
into the Temple. When the parents brought the child Jesus into the Temple to do
for him what the Law required, 28Simeon took the child in his arms
and gave thanks to God:
29 “Now, Lord, you have
kept your promise,
and you may let your servant go in peace.
30 With my own eyes I
have seen your salvation,
31 which you have
prepared in the presence of all peoples:
32 A
light to reveal your will to the Gentiles
and bring glory to your people Israel.”
33 The
child’s father and mother were amazed at the things Simeon said about him. 34Simeon
blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, “This child is chosen by God for the
destruction and the salvation of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God
which many people will speak against 35and so reveal their secret
thoughts. And sorrow, like a sharp sword, will break your own heart.”
36–37 There
was a very old prophet, a widow named Anna, daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of
Asher. She had been married for only seven years and was now 84 years old.b
She never left the Temple; day and night she worshipped God, fasting and
praying. 38That very same hour she arrived and gave thanks to God
and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for God to set Jerusalem
free.
39 When
Joseph and Mary had finished doing all that was required by the law of the
Lord, they returned to their home town of Nazareth in Galilee. 40The
child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and God’s blessings were
upon him.
Think
"Lord you have kept your
promise, and you may let your servant go in peace."
Jesus - even as a baby -
gives Simeon the sense that God has fulfilled his plan to save the world.
Pray
Lord,
Give me the peace of trusting
in you for your salvation.
Amen
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