Biblical Reference:
The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple is primarily documented in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 2:22-38. This event is a significant moment in the early life of Jesus Christ, fulfilling Jewish law and prophecy.

Historical and Cultural Context:
According to Jewish law, as outlined in Leviticus 12:1-8, a woman who gives birth to a son is considered ceremonially unclean for seven days, and the boy is to be circumcised on the eighth day. Following this, the mother must undergo a purification process for thirty-three days. At the end of this period, the parents are to present the child at the temple and offer a sacrifice. The law prescribes a lamb for a burnt offering and a pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering. However, if the family is poor, they may offer two turtledoves or two pigeons instead.

Narrative Account:
In Luke 2:22-24 , it is recorded: "And when the days of their purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, 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 Law of Moses, brought Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord and to offer the prescribed sacrifice. Their offering of two turtledoves or pigeons indicates their humble socio-economic status.

Significant Figures:

· Simeon:
Simeon is described as a righteous and devout man in Jerusalem, 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 in 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 acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, a light to the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel, highlighting the universal scope of Jesus' mission.

· Anna:
Anna, a prophetess and the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, is also present at the temple. She was of great age, having 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 of Jesus at the Temple is rich in theological meaning. It underscores Jesus' fulfillment of the Law from His infancy, highlighting His role as the obedient Son of God. The event also serves as a revelation of Jesus' identity as the Messiah to both Simeon and Anna, who represent the faithful remnant of Israel awaiting redemption. Simeon's declaration of Jesus as a light to the Gentiles foreshadows the inclusion of all nations in the salvation plan, a theme that permeates the New Testament.

Liturgical Observance:
In Christian tradition, the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple is commemorated as the Feast of the Presentation, also known as Candlemas, celebrated on February 2nd. This feast marks the end of the liturgical season of Epiphany in some Christian denominations and is a time to reflect on Jesus as the light of the world.