Luke
2: 25-40
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon,
who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy
Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the
Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the
parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29"Sovereign Lord, as you have
promised,
you now dismiss your servant in peace.
30For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31which you have
prepared in the sight of all people,
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
33The child's father and mother
marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed
them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and
rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a
sword will pierce your own soul too."
36There was also a prophetess, Anna,
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her
husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then was a
widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night
and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming up to them at that
very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking
forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39When Joseph and Mary had done
everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of
Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong; he was
filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
