One chilly morning, Mary and Joseph held baby Jesus close. They walked to the temple in Jerusalem. The temple was a big, special place where God’s people came to pray. The sun was shining softly, and the birds sang sweet songs.
Mary and Joseph were happy and a little nervous. They were bringing Jesus to the temple to follow God’s special rule. This rule said that every new baby boy should be presented to the Lord. It was a way to say, “Thank you, God, for this precious gift!”
Inside the temple, the air smelled like sweet incense, and the light made everything glow softly. A kind old man named Simeon was there. God had promised Simeon that he would see the Savior before he died. Simeon’s eyes were bright with hope.
When Simeon saw Jesus, he smiled with joy. He took Jesus gently in his arms and said, “Now I can die happy, because I have seen the Lord’s promised light.” His heart was full of peace like a calm river.
Simeon told Mary and Joseph, “This child will bring light to everyone. He will show what God’s love is like.” Mary listened carefully. She wondered how Jesus would help the world with God’s love.
Then, a woman named Anna came. She was very old and had spent many days praying in the temple. When she saw Jesus, she thanked God with a happy heart. Anna told everyone around about Jesus, the special baby sent by God.
Mary and Joseph felt God’s love all around them. They knew Jesus was very special. They were thankful and full of hope for the future.
The temple was quiet again, but the light of Jesus shone bright like a candle in the dark. Jesus was the light that would help everyone see God’s love clearly.
“Who will Jesus help?” Mary wondered softly.
“He will help everyone who believes,” Joseph said with a smile.
And so, the little family left the temple, their hearts glowing with joy and peace, ready to share God’s wonderful love with the world.
Questions to think about
- Why did Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple?
- How did Simeon feel when he saw Jesus?
- What did Simeon say about Jesus?
- Who was Anna and what did she do?
- What does Jesus bring to the world?
Message of the story
God sent Jesus as a special light to bring love and hope to everyone. When we trust Jesus, we can feel God’s peace in our hearts.
Bible passage
Luke 2:22-40
Luke 2:22-40 (ICB)
22 When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 23 (The Law of the Lord says, “Every firstborn son must be dedicated to the Lord.”) 24 They also offered a sacrifice, as the Law of the Lord says: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was good and devout and was waiting for the Lord to comfort Israel. The Holy Spirit was on him. 26 The Spirit had told him he would not die before he saw the Lord’s Messiah.
27 He came to the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do what the law said, 28 Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God:
29 “Now, Lord, you can let your servant go in peace,
as you promised.
30 I have seen your salvation,
31 which you prepared in front of all people.
32 This salvation is a light for all people,
and it is the glory of your people Israel.”
33
