Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

⁴ But when the fullness of time came, God sent-forth His Son— having come^[a] from a woman, having come under the Law ⁵ in order that He might redeem the ones under the Law, in order that we [all] might receive the adoption. ⁶ And because^[b] you are sons, God sent-forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts crying-out, “Abba! Father!” ⁷ So then you are no longer a slave, but a son— and if a son, also an heir through God!

The Parents Bring Jesus To The Temple To Redeem Him Before The Lord

²² And when the days of their purification according to the Law of Moses were fulfilled^[a], they brought Him up to Jerusalem so as to present Him to the Lord ²³ just as it has been written in the Law of the Lord [in Ex 13:2], that “every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”; ²⁴ and that she might give a sacrifice in accordance with the thing having been said in the Law of the Lord [in Lev 12:8]: “a pair of turtledoves or two young ones of pigeons”.

Simeon Recognizes The Child As The Messiah, But a Sword Will Pierce Mary’s Soul

²⁵ And behold— a man was in Jerusalem for whom the name was Simeon. And this man was righteous and reverent^[b], waiting-for the consolation of Israel. And the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶ And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he would see the Christ of the Lord. ²⁷ And he came in the Spirit into the temple. And at the parents bringing-in the child Jesus that they might do for Him according to the thing^[c] having become-a-custom from the Law, ²⁸ he also took Him into his arms. And he blessed God, and said, ²⁹ “Now You are releasing Your slave in peace in accordance with Your word, Master, ³⁰ because my eyes saw Your salvation ³¹ which You prepared in the presence of all the peoples— ³² the light for the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel”. ³³ And His father and mother were marveling at the things being spoken about Him. ³⁴ And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold— this One is appointed^[d] for^[e] the falling and rising of many in Israel, and for^[f] a sign being spoken-against^[g]— ³⁵ and indeed a sword will pierce the soul of you yourself— so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed”.

Anna The Prophet Thanks God For the Child

³⁶ And there was Anna— a prophet, a daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. This one was advanced in her many days, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, ³⁷ and herself being a widow up-to^[h] eighty four years, who was not departing from the temple, serving^[i] night and day with fastings and prayers. ³⁸ And having come-upon them at the very hour, she was returning-thanks to God, and was speaking about Him to all the ones waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

The Family Returns To Nazareth In Galilee

³⁹ And when they finished all the things according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee— to their own city, Nazareth. ⁴⁰ And the Child was growing and becoming strong, while being filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was upon Him.