“And he came in the Spirit into the temple” (Luke 2:27a)
When the days of Mary’s purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, Joseph and Mary traveled to Jerusalem to dedicate the Child to the Lord.
For the law stated: Every first child that is a boy must be dedicated to the Lord.
On the same day they brought the sacrifice according to the Lord’s law. A pair of turtledoves or a pair of young pigeons.
In Jerusalem lived a certain man named Simeon. He was righteous and God-fearing. He expected the salvation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
This Simeon had received a divine revelation from the Holy Spirit that before he died he would see the Messiah.
He came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus to do with Him according to the law, Simeon took the Child in his arms and praised God and he cried out:
“Lord, now You are letting your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)
Happy Simeon, he got the privilege of embracing his Savior!