Luke 2: 21-40
Jesus Is Named
21 After eight days had passed,
it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the
name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Jesus Is Presented in
the Temple
22 When the time came for their purification according to
the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to
the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every
firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), 24and they
offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the
Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon;* this man
was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of
Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26It had been revealed to
him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had
seen the Lord’s Messiah.* 27Guided by the Spirit, Simeon* came into
the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do
for him what was customary under the law, 28Simeon* took him in his
arms and praised God, saying,
29‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant* in peace,
according to your word;
30for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’
33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being
said about him. 34Then Simeon* blessed them and said to his mother
Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many
in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35so that the inner
thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own
soul too.’
36 There was also a prophet, Anna* the daughter of Phanuel, of the
tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her
husband for seven years after her marriage, 37then as a widow to the
age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there
with fasting and prayer night and day. 38At that moment she came,
and began to praise God and to speak about the child* to all who
were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
The Return to Nazareth
39 When they had finished everything required by the law
of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of
Nazareth. 40The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favour of God was upon him.
