Show Don't Tell: Luke 2:21-40

Instead of saying "Jesus was presented at the temple," meet the waiting ones. On the eighth day, he is circumcised and named Jesus—the name the angel gave before conception. When the time comes for purification according to the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary take him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Their offering: a pair of doves or two young pigeons—the offering of the poor. Now there is a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel. The Holy Spirit is on him; it has been revealed that he won't die before seeing the Lord's Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he comes into the temple courts. When the parents bring in the child Jesus, Simeon takes him in his arms and praises God: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." Joseph and Mary marvel. Simeon blesses them and says to Mary: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel... And a sword will pierce your own soul too." There is also a prophet, Anna, daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher—very old, widowed after seven years of marriage, now eighty-four. She never leaves the temple but worships night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up at that moment, she gives thanks to God and speaks about the child to all who are looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.