Dedication of Jesus
Luke 2:23-39
As it has been written in the law of the Lord, “Every male opening the womb shall be called ‘separated unto the Lord.’” And the event’s sacrifice shall be given according to the law of the Lord; a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
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And, look, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon. And this man was just and devout, expecting the consolation of Israel. And the Holy Spirit came upon him and revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah.
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Brought by the Spirit into the temple as Jesus was brought by his parents to be dedicated according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms. He blessed God, and said, “Lord, now, as you will, according to your word, let your servant depart in peace. I have seen your salvation which you prepared to be seen by all people; a light revealed to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people, Israel.” And his father and mother were amazed at what was being said of him.”
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And Simeon 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 which shall be hated. And as for you, a sword shall pierce your soul, too, so that the of hearts of many may be revealed.
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And Anna, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher, a prophetess, was also there. She was a very old widow, who had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage. And she was a widow for the last eighty-four years. She continually served God in the temple, by fasting and praying—night and day. She came in at that time and also thanked God, and spoke of the child to all who were expecting redemption in Jerusalem.
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And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Nazareth in the Galilee.
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