“Hope: Watching and Waiting”

Luke 2: 22-38, {22} When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord {23} (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), {24} and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” {25} Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. {26} It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. {27} Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, {28} Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: {29} “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace. {30} For my eyes have seen your salvation, {31} which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: {32} a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” {33} The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. {34} Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, {35} so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” {36} There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, {37} and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. {38} Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.