On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “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.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
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Compare All Versions: Luke 2:21-38
3 Days
What would it have been like to be in Bethlehem on the night that Jesus was born? Imagine being a shepherd and hearing a sky-full of angels singing! This three-day plan takes children to the town and hillside to dwell for a while in the Bible story. The plan complements the free children’s game app Guardians of Ancora.
Feel like the wonder of Christmas gets lost amidst all of the digital distractions and busyness of the season? This 3-day plan will help you to adorn your heart with wonder. Each day includes a "Wonder Challenge," a short, practical activity that will help to bring some wonder into your life through a reflection on a part of the story of Jesus' birth.
In the “God With Us” study, we will walk through Luke 2:1-38 and take a closer look at three key components of the Christmas story: the arrival, announcement, and assignment of Immanuel.
4 Days
The aim of this devotion is to help you put a little bit of "Awe and Wonder" back into your celebration as you contemplate and celebrate the birth of Jesus from a child-like faith. During this special time of Christmas celebration, may you prepare your heart to prepare Jesus even more room all year through.
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