15
When the angels went away from them back into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us."
16
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and saw the baby lying in the manger.
17
When the shepherds saw him, they told them what the angel had said about the child.
18
All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said.
19
Mary remembered all these things and thought deeply about them.
20
The shepherds went back, singing praises to God for all they had heard and seen; it had been just as the angel had told them.
21
A week later, when the time came for the baby to be circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name which the angel had given him before he had been conceived.
1
22
The time came for Joseph and Mary to perform the ceremony of purification, as the Law of Moses commanded. So they took the child to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord,
23
as it is written in the law of the Lord: "Every first-born male is to be dedicated to the Lord."
2
24
They also went to offer a sacrifice of a pair of doves or two young pigeons, as required by the law of the Lord.
3
25
At that time there was a man named Simeon living in Jerusalem. He was a good, God-fearing man and was waiting for Israel to be saved. The Holy Spirit was with him
26
and had assured him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's promised Messiah.
27
Led by the Spirit, Simeon went into the Temple. When the parents brought the child Jesus into the Temple to do for him what the Law required,
28
Simeon took the child in his arms and gave thanks to God:
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:
32
A light to reveal your will to the Gentiles
4 and bring glory to your people Israel."
33
The child's father and mother were amazed at the things Simeon said about him.
34
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."