The Presentation in the Temple

When the days of Mary's purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, Joseph and Mary brought the child Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (Luke 2:22). As prescribed in the Law, every firstborn male was to be called holy to the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice consisting of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons (Luke 2:23-24). During this visit, a man named Simeon, who was just and devout and waiting for the consolation of Israel, came by the Spirit into the temple (Luke 2:25-27).

Simeon took the child up in his arms and blessed God, stating that he could now depart in peace because his eyes had seen God's salvation, which was prepared before all people (Luke 2:28-31). He described the child as a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Israel (Luke 2:32). Joseph and Mary marveled at the things spoken of the child, and Simeon blessed them, specifically telling Mary that the child was set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel and that a sword would pierce through her own soul also (Luke 2:33-35).

Additionally, a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Aser, was present. She was of great age, having lived with a husband for seven years and remained a widow for about eighty-four years, never departing from the temple (Luke 2:36-37). She gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of the child to all who looked for redemption in Jerusalem (Luke 2:38). After performing all things according to the law of the Lord, the family departed; the text does not say where they went immediately after the temple (Luke 2:39).