Fictional Account of Luke 2:22-40

Mary bundled up the precious child. Today they would journey to Jerusalem to the temple. It was time for Jesus, her first born son to be dedicated. Since the first Passover, so many years ago, God has required the first born son of Jewish families to be redeemed, dedicated to him as a reminder of how he saved them from slavery in Egypt. Since they were a poor family, Mary would take two doves to be sacrificed. One for the dedication of the baby and the other for her own purification.

As they walked along, Mary carried the little one who slept in her arms. He was just five weeks old, yet she couldn't imagine her life without him. She thought about all the events of the last year: her time with Elizabeth, returning to Nazareth, her family's reactions, Joseph's reaction, the decree from Caesar, the journey to Bethlehem, the birth, the shepherd's visit, and the last month with her baby boy. So much had happened, she was not the same young woman who received the promise of an angel just a year ago. She had no idea what would happen in their lives as the baby grew up, but she knew Yahweh would continue to watch over them and protect him. She had doubts in her own abilities as a mother, but she trusted His father to lead her in the direction she should go.

There was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. Simeon was a righteous and devout man. He observed the law of the Lord with caution and care. Simeon eagerly waited for the promised Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. This morning, the Spirit led Simeon to the temple. He wasn't sure why, but somehow, Simeon knew today was a special day. Could it be that today was the day he would see the Lord? In the temple courts, Simeon looked up and knew. That young couple, that baby, here was the Messiah. The Lord's promise was fulfilled that very moment in a tiny infant.

Before they could even get into the temple, Simeon came up to the new family. “Do you mind?” he asked, reaching for the baby. Mary gently handed him baby Jesus. The baby raised his head and looked around. Simeon began to praise God saying "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.” Mary and Joseph looked at each other. It was amazing what this man was saying about their son. It was obvious to the couple that he knew who he was holding. He was proclaiming the very things Mary had been treasuring in her heart. Simeon handed the baby back to his parents and blessed them. Then turning to Mary, he said of the child, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” What did this mean? Yes, she knew Jesus was to be the ruler of Israel, but what was a sign that will be spoken against? And what did he mean a sword will pierce her soul?

She didn't have long to ponder the questions, they would have to wait. Soon after Simeon finished talking, Anna walked over. Anna had been just a young woman when her husband died 84 years earlier. She was devastated and didn't know where to turn, so she went to the temple to fast and pray. Soon she began to serve others and discovered the joy of serving God. She found her comfort in the temple. By this time, a crowd had gathered around the small family. Anna turned to the people who had looked forward to the redemption of Jerusalem for such a long time. She began to talk of the child in front of them.

Soon, the people dispersed and the couple took their child to the priest and fulfilled the requirements of the law. As they returned to their home town of Nazareth in Galilee, Mary and Joseph talked of the things they had heard today. They discussed what Simeon may have meant and all the things Anna said. Mostly they adored the baby boy and talked about how he had changed their life and all the lives he would change. Truly she was blessed among women.