Simeon and Anna Welcome Jesus

When the right days had passed, the child was named Jesus, the name given before he was conceived. Then his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as the law of Moses required. They also brought the offering named in the law, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

In Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was righteous and devoted to God, and the Holy Spirit was on him. The Spirit had made known to him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Led by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple just as Jesus was being brought in.

Simeon took the child in his arms and praised God. He said that God was now letting him go in peace, because he had seen God’s salvation. This salvation, Simeon said, had been prepared before all peoples: a light for the nations and glory for Israel. Joseph and Jesus' mother were amazed at what was being said about him.

Simeon blessed them and then spoke to Mary. He said this child would bring both falling and rising for many in Israel, and that he would be a sign people would speak against. Simeon also told Mary that deep sorrow would touch her, and that through this child the thoughts of many hearts would be revealed.

There was also a prophetess named Anna, from the tribe of Asher. She was very old and had long been a widow. She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayers night and day. Coming up at that very time, she thanked the Lord and spoke about Jesus to people in Jerusalem who were waiting for redemption. What do you notice about the way Simeon and Anna waited for God’s promise?