And when the days of their purification, according to the law of Moses, were fulfilled, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. As it is written in the law of the Lord: "Every male that openeth a womb shall be called holy to the Lord", and to offer sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord: "A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons."

And behold there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death before he should have seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the little child Jesus, that they might do for Him according to the custom of the law, he then received Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Now dismiss Thy bondservant, Master, in peace according to Thy word; for my eyes have seen Thy Salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all the peoples, a Light for a revelation to the nations, and a glory to Thy people Israel." And His father and mother were wondering at the things spoken concerning Him. And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined to cause the rising and falling of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. But a sword will pierce your own soul too."

A prophetess, Anna, was there too, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, and had lived with her husband as a virgin for seven years after they were married, then was a widow until the age of eighty-four. She worshipped in the temple day and night, fasting and praying. When she came to Mary and Joseph, she thanked God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

When Mary and Joseph had finished their rituals required by the Law, they returned home.