Story 58 of 100 · Based on Luke 2:22-38
Simeon and Anna See the Child Jesus
When Jesus was still a baby, Joseph and Mary took him to the temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. As an offering, they brought a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.
In Jerusalem there lived a man named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel. The Holy Spirit had told him that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Messiah.
That day, the Spirit led him to the temple. When the parents came in with the child Jesus, Simeon took him in his arms and blessed God:
—Now, Lord, you can let your servant go in peace, as you promised, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples: a light to enlighten the nations and the glory of your people Israel.
Joseph and Mary were amazed at what was said about the child.
There was also a woman there named Anna, who was a prophetess. She was very old. She was eighty-four years old, and she never left the temple: she served God night and day with prayers and fasting.
At that very moment, Anna came up, gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Simeon and Anna recognized the child Jesus, and they were filled with joy.
Let's talk: Simeon and Anna waited a long time. What have you waited for patiently?
Simeon said: "Now I can go in peace." You can sleep in peace too. Goodnight.