On day eight of Jesus life he is taken to the temple to be presented to the Lord. This was the custom and code of conduct of the Jewish law. At the temple Simeon, who had been waiting for the Messiah, took Jesus in his arms and praised God. (See verses 29-32). Simeon immediately knew he was seeing and holding the light of the world. Simeon says, “Now in joy he can die in peace.” Simeon flows with prophecy to Mary and Joseph saying some people would fall and some people would rise because of their son. With Jesus there is no neutral ground. People will either joyfully accept him or totally reject him. Simeon also tells Mary that she would grieve the reject Jesus would face.
Then Anna appears. At 84 and after living many years in the temple, she comes up to the family and gives thanks to God for Jesus. Anna spoke about Jesus and how the people were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem through Him. Mary and Joseph had a child, the Son of God, who was growing and becoming strong. He was filled with wisdom and grace of God. What a moment! What a confirmation of God’s divine plan!
Prayer: Praise God for the gift of His Son and the divine plan that was accomplished through him.
