25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was arighteous and devout, blooking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

26 And ait had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not bsee death before he had seen the Lord’s 1Christ.

27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, 1ato carry out for Him the custom of the Law,

28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,

aAccording to Your word;

30 For my eyes have aseen Your salvation,

31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

32 aA Light 1of revelation to the Gentiles,

And the glory of Your people Israel.”

33 And His father and amother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.

34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary aHis mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for bthe fall and 1rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed—

35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

36 And there was a aprophetess, 1Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of bthe tribe of Asher. She was advanced in 2years cand had lived with her husband seven years after her 3marriage,

37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with afastings and prayers.

38 At that very 1moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were alooking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Return to Nazareth

39 When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to atheir own city of Nazareth.

40 aThe Child continued to grow and become strong, 1increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.