Now when her purification
Was finished by calculation
They brought Him to Jerusalem
To the Lord for presentation
-
In the Lord’s law it is written
Males in the firstborn position
Shall be called holy to the Lord
Make a sacrifice in accord
With what’s in the law of the Lord
Two doves or two pigeons record
-
There was a man named Simeon
Just and devout, waiting upon
The Consolation of Isr’el
On him the Holy Spirit fell
-
And revealed that he would not be
Dead before the Christ he would see
Spirit-led into the temple
Saw Jesus not accidental
-
Whose parents brought for the custom
He took Him in his arms therefrom
And blessed God and said, You release
Dismissing Your servant in peace
-
According to Your word, my eyes
Have seen where Your salvation lies
Which You’ve prepared for all to see
A light for the nations to be
-
And the glory of Israel.
Joseph and His mother as well
Were amazed at what was spoken
Of Him, Then Simeon blessed them
-
And said to His mother Mary
For the rise and fall of many
In Israel, this Child is destined
To be a sign of contention
Yes, a sword will pierce your own soul
That many hearts are revealed whole
-
There was a prophetess Anna
Phanuel’s daughter from Asher
She was a very old person
Wed seven years since a virgin
-
A widow about eighty-four
Who prayed in the temple what’s more
Fasting and praying she served God
Both night and day she was abroad
-
And as she gave thanks to the Lord
Her conversation struck a chord
Discussed Him with those awaiting
Jerusalem’s liberating
-
Then they returned to Galilee
To their own Nazareth city
The Child grew up strong in wisdom
And the grace of God was on Him
