Simeon and Anna

Mary and Joseph named their baby Jesus, just as the angel had told Joseph to do many months before.  After forty days, Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem, a few miles from Bethlehem.  Mary cradled the boy gently in her arms as they walked through the busy streets.  Joseph led the way.  God had commanded the Jewish people to dedicate all the firstborn boys to him.  Mary and Joseph obeyed the Lord and performed the ceremony of dedication.

A righteous man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem.  The Holy Spirit had told him that before he died, the Lord would allow him to see the Messiah, the Savior King God had promised long ago.  That day the Spirit told Simeon to go to the temple courts.  There he saw a young couple with a baby.  Simeon's heart leapt for joy.  He walked up to them.  He must have surprised Mary very much, because he took the baby in his arms.  "Lord, you have kept your promise to me, and now I can die peacefully.  This child is your salvation for the people of Israel and for non-Jews, too."

Mary and Joseph were amazed by Simeon's words.  As Simeon handed baby Jesus back to Mary, he told her, "This child has a special calling.  Many people will be changed because of him, but his life will be difficult for you."  Then Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph.  Just as Simeon finished, a prophetess named Anna came up to them and thanked God for the baby boy.  Many people were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.  Anna told them all about the special baby boy.

(From Classic Bible Stories, A Family Treasury retold by Lise Caldwell (c) 1998 Standard Publishing.  Used by permission.  This book may be purchased at your local Christian Bookstore or from Standard Publishing (800-543-1301).