34. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, “Many in Israel will fall and many will rise because of this child. He will be a sign from God that many people will not accept.
35. The things they think in secret will be made known. And the things that will happen will make your heart sad, too.”
36. Anna, a prophetess, was there at the Temple. She was from the family of Phanuel in the tribe of Asher. Anna was very old. She had once been married for seven years.
37. Then her husband died and she lived alone. She was now 84 years old. Anna never left the Temple. She worshiped God by going without food and praying day and night.
38. She was standing there at that time, thanking God. She talked about Jesus to all who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem.
39. Joseph and Mary finished doing everything that the law of the Lord commanded. Then they went home to Nazareth, their own town in Galilee.
40. The little child began to grow up. He became stronger and wiser, and God’s blessings were with him.
41. Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast.