Stations of the Nativity 8. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple – Luke 2:22-35

Listen to this in audio form here:

https://anchor.fm/bcjj/embed/episodes/Stations-of-the-Nativity-8-Jesus-is-presented-in-the-Temple-eo2mn4

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,

   according to your word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation,

   which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

   and for glory to your people Israel.’

Luke 2:22-35

When Jesus is brought to the Temple two elderly people who have been longing for the good news of the messiah meet Jesus as a child – the great promise has been fulfilled. Children this year have experienced much upheaval and change and older people are concerned for them.

Take a moment to pray for children you know and the children of our local schools.

We adore you O Christ and we bless you

Because by your Holy Nativity you have given us new birth