The Presentation at the Temple

Read

This is another part of the story that is often left out. It is called the Presentation. After a time, Mary and

Joseph took their new little baby to the Temple in Jerusalem. It was the custom to present a new baby there to celebrate its name and to dedicate the baby to God.

When Mary and Joseph took the baby into the Temple to be dedicated to God, an old man named Simeon came up and looked at the baby. He took the baby in his arms and said, “Now I can die in peace.” What was he talking about?

When Simeon was younger, God told him that he would not die before seeing the Holy One who was coming and would change everything. That day Simeon knew Jesus was the one he had been waiting for.

Then old Anna came up and looked at the baby. She also saw that this was the Holy One, so she gave thanks to God and told everyone in the Temple what had happened.

Simeon is holding the baby. Mary is still holding out her arms. Joseph is bringing two birds to the Temple. That was the custom in those days. Old Anna loved to be in the Temple as much as she could. I wonder why she doesn’t have a halo? Look at her coat. At first, it looks brown and old, but if you look closely, it seems to be all gold.

When old Simeon held the baby, he said a prayer we remember and sometimes sing. It begins, “Lord you now have set your servant free to go in peace as you have promised.”

Wonder

What part of the story do you like best?
What part of the story is the most important?
What part of the story is just about you?

Listen

The Reverend Benjamin J. Nobles shares a reflection.

Pray

Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all people, and for glory to your people Israel. - The Canticle of Simeon