Biblical Reference:
The Presentation at the Temple is primarily recorded in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 2:22-38. This event is a significant moment in the early life of Jesus Christ, marking His first appearance in the Temple in Jerusalem.

Historical and Cultural Context:
According to Jewish law, as outlined in Leviticus 12, a woman who gives birth to a son is considered ceremonially unclean for seven days. On the eighth day, the male child is to be circumcised. Following this, the mother must wait an additional thirty-three days to complete her purification. At the end of this period, she is required to present a burnt offering and a sin offering at the Temple. For those who could not afford a lamb, the law permitted the offering of two turtledoves or two young pigeons.

Narrative Account:
In Luke 2:22-24 , it is written: "And when the days of their purification were completed according to the law of Moses, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: 'Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord'), and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: 'A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.'"

Mary and Joseph, adhering to the Mosaic Law, brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to fulfill these requirements. This act of obedience highlights their piety and faithfulness to God's commandments.

Significant Figures:

1. Simeon:
Simeon is described as a righteous and devout man, who was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple, Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying (Luke 2:29-32):
"Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel."

Simeon's prophecy also included a foretelling of the suffering that Jesus would endure and the sorrow that Mary would experience (Luke 2:34-35).

2. Anna:
Anna, a prophetess and the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, was also present at the Temple. She was of great age and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the Temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. Upon seeing Jesus, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:36-38).

Theological Significance:
The Presentation at the Temple is rich in theological meaning. It underscores the fulfillment of the Law by Jesus' earthly parents, setting a precedent for His own fulfillment of the Law throughout His life. The event also highlights the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah by Simeon and Anna, who represent the faithful remnant of Israel awaiting redemption. Simeon's declaration of Jesus as "a light for revelation to the Gentiles" foreshadows the universal scope of Christ's mission.

The Presentation also emphasizes the theme of Jesus as the firstborn, consecrated to the Lord, which prefigures His role as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb who would redeem humanity. This event, therefore, serves as a bridge between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, illustrating the continuity of God's salvific plan through Jesus Christ.