22 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 Lord23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”, 24 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.”

25 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. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 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, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

    you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

    and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:22-32)

Luke chapter 2 is a passage that is often read when thinking about the birth of Christ. I wanted to focus on versus 21 to 38. Jesus is just a tiny newborn baby only eight days old. Mary is a new mom dealing with all that that involves, probably still feeling weak and overwhelmed at times, as this new life -  the Savior of the world -- is in her care. 

Mary and Joseph wanted to do everything that the law requires them to do so, they took Jesus to the temple to present him and make the offerings. Originally the offering would have been for a lamb for a firstborn son, but as a concession to the poor a pair of turtle doves could be given instead. This again reminds us of the humble family that Jesus is born into. 

It has been said that the shepherds may have been taking care of temple lambs and so spread the word in the temple of the birth of the Savior. 

Moved by the Spirit, Simeon went to the temple to see the fulfillment of the promise God had made to him that he would see the savior. Anna had also devoted her life to serving God in the temple.

Sometimes we have to wait on God to see the promises fulfilled. We have to be filled with the Spirit to recognize when the Savior is present and is calling us to speak out words of encouragement or prophecy.

Simeon has a beautiful word indicating that Jesus’ mission was always for all Nations:

“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.” (2:30-32).

I just imagine how filled with love and joy and encouragement Mary and Joseph were as they left the temple that day!