2 ²² Then, after their purification had been completed in accordance with the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 2 ^{23 [ Lv.12.3. ]} (as prescribed in the law of the Lord: 'Every first-born male shall be deemed to belong to the Lord'), 2 ^{24 [ Ex.13.2-15. ]} and also to make the offering as stated in the law of the Lord: 'A pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.'
2 ²⁵ There was at that time in Jerusalem a man called Simeon. This man was upright and devout, one who watched and waited for the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 2 ²⁶ It had been disclosed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. 2 ²⁷ Guided by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the Law, 2 ²⁸ he took him in his arms, praised God, and said: - Song of Simeon  Odes.12.29-32- | NEB Contents | notes

2 ³³ The child's father and mother were full of wonder at what was being said about him. 2 ³⁴ Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'This child is destined to be a sign which men reject; 2 ³⁵ and you too shall be pierced to the heart. Many in Israel will stand or fall because of him, and thus the secret thoughts of many will be laid bare.'

2 ³⁶ There was also a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was a very old woman, who had lived seven years with her husband after she was first married, 2 ³⁷ and then alone as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshipped day and night, fasting and praying. 2 ³⁸ Coming up at that very moment, she returned thanks to God; and she talked about the child to all who were looking for the liberation of Jerusalem.