22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord,23 as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn son is to be designated as holy to the Lord."24 They also offered a sacrifice according to what is specified in the law of the Lord: "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."25 Now a man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. This man was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the one who would comfort Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him.26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ.27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple. When the parents brought the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the law,28 Simeon took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,29 "Master, now you are allowing your servant to leave in peaceaccording to your word.30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,31 which you prepared for all people to see—32 a light that will reveal salvation to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Israel."33 Jesus’ father and mother kept wondering at the things being said about him.34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, "This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall or rise. He will be a sign that will be disputed,35 so that the inner thoughts of many people might be revealed. Indeed, a sword will pierce your own soul, too."36 Now Anna, a prophetess, was also there. She was a descendant of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage,37 and then as a widow for eighty-four years. She never left the temple, but continued to worship there night and day with times of fasting and prayer.38 Just then she came forward and began to thank God and to speak about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.