29
"Now, Lord, you have kept your promise, and you may let your servant go in peace.
30
With my own eyes I have seen your salvation,
31
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples:
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A light to reveal your will to the Gentiles
1 and bring glory to your people Israel."
33
The child's father and mother were amazed at the things Simeon said about him.
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Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, "This child is chosen by God for the destruction and the salvation of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against
35
and so reveal their secret thoughts. And sorrow, like a sharp sword, will break your own heart."
36
There was a very old prophet, a widow named Anna, daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She had been married for only seven years and was now eighty-four years old. She never left the Temple; day and night she worshiped God, fasting and praying.
2
38
That very same hour she arrived and gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for God to set Jerusalem free.
39
When Joseph and Mary had finished doing all that was required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown of Nazareth in Galilee.
3