“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

Now 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 on him, It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

Moved 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, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him, Then 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, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed, And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming 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.”

- Luke 2 : 22 - 38

Law of Moses - or Torah refers to the divine laws, commands and instructions God gave to the Israelites through Moses found in the first five books of the Bible. Genesis - Deuteronomy

Law of the Lord - God’s law in the Bible, a comprehensive guide for Life, rooted in his character of love, primarily summarized in the Ten Commandments (Love God, Love Love People), but also includes ceremonial and civil laws given to ancient Israel, all pointing to our need for Jesus who perfectly fulfilled it

consecrated to the Lord - being set apart from the common and ordinary for a sacred purpose/ service to God. Offering your life as a living sacrifice pleasing to God

devout - sincerely devoted to God

consolation of Israel - the promised Messiah (Jesus Christ) who would bring comfort, redemption, and salvation, ending Israel’s sorrows and oppression by fulfilling God’s covenants

Holy Spirit - is the personal, active presence of God in your life that lives inside of every believer of Christ Jesus

Lord’s Messiah - Jesus Christ

Spirit - Holy Spirit

Gentiles - anyone who is not Jewish

prophet - primary spokesperson for God, someone called to speak forth his divine messages, warnings, and truths to people

12-24-2025

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