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(as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"),
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and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."
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And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
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And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
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So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law,
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he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
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"Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word;
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For my eyes have seen Your salvation
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Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
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A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel."
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And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.
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Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against
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(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
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Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;
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and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
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And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
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So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.
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And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
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His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
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And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.
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When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;