o heard wondered, or that Mary treasured in her
heart the heavenly messages, or that the shepherds returned to their tasks
with gratitude and praise, for there lingered in their memories a song
which expresses still the hope of all mankind.

F. The Presentation of Jesus, and the "Nunc Dimittis." Ch. 2:21-40

21 And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, his
name was called JESUS, who was so called by the angel before he
was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of
Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present
him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every
male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord), 24
and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the
law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. 25
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon;
and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation
of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been
revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see
death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the
Spirit into the temple and when the parents brought in the child
Jesus, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the
law, 28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and
said,

29 Now lettest thou thy servant depart, O Lord,
According to thy word, in peace;
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples;
32 A light for revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things
which were spoken concerning him; 34 and Simeon blessed them, and
said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this _child_ is set for the
falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is
spoken against; 35 yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own
soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. 36 And
there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the
tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a
husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and she had been a
widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from
the temple