Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

²⁵ A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was a good man and he loved God. He was watching and waiting for the one who would save Israel. The Holy Spirit was on him.

²⁶ The Holy Spirit had shown him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

²⁷ He came into the temple, led by the Spirit. The parents brought in the child Jesus to do what the law said they should do about him.

²⁸ Then Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God.

²⁹ He said, `Lord, now you are letting your servant go in peace, just as you said.

³⁰ I have seen with my own eyes the one you have sent to save people.

³¹ You have made this way for all peoples to be saved.

³² He is a light which will shine for those who do not know God. He is the one who will bring praise to your people Israel.'

³³ Joseph and Mary were surprised at the things Simeon said about Jesus.

³⁴ Simeon blessed them. He said to Mary, the mother of Jesus, `He will be a sign that people do not believe in. He will make many people in Israel fall and rise.

³⁵ (Yes, a long knife will cut your heart too.) What people think will be made known.'

³⁶ Anna, a woman prophet of God, was there too. Her father's name was Phanuel. She was of the tribe of Asher. She was very old. She had been married and lived with her husband for seven years.

³⁷ Then her husband died. Now she had been alone for eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple, but worshipped day and night. She talked with God and fasted [did not eat food for a time].

³⁸ While Simeon was talking to Mary, Anna also came along and thanked God. She talked about Jesus to all the people who were waiting for the one who would set Jerusalem free.