On February 2, we observe the Feast of THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD, honoring Jesus’ presentation in the Temple when he was a baby.

Jesus’ presentation in the Temple reflects how he fulfills the Old Covenant. According to Old Testament law, a sacrifice had to be offered in the Temple when a child was consecrated to the Lord. Mary and Joseph honored this tradition, as Luke 2:22–24 describes:

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Following a forty day purification, Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the Temple to be consecrated. Incidentally, when we compare Leviticus 12:2–8 with Luke 2:22–24, we find that Mary and Joseph were poor since they brought only two birds with them and no lamb . . . or did they? Although Mary and Joseph were poor, they brought a lamb, no, THE LAMB, who will one day take away the sins of the world.

Simeon, a devout and upright man, had been told by the Lord he would meet the Messiah before his death. When Jesus comes to the Temple, we see the fulfillment of this prophecy. Simeon and the prophetess Anna recognize Jesus’ Lordship as Messiah in this culmination of their watchful waiting. When Simeon receives Jesus, he blesses him, and prophesies Jesus’ future as Savior, proclaiming him to be the Light of the world:

He took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” Luke 2:28–32