Meeting Christ in the Temple

Gospel Reading Luke 2:22-40

Talking Points
Mary and Joseph are faithful followers of God the Father and obey His Laws. When Jesus was born, they brought Him to the Temple with the offering (2 birds).

They met Simeon, who was told by the Holy Spirit, that he would meet the Messiah before he died. Simeon was so happy! He held Baby Jesus and said a blessing to God
Luke 2: 29-32
Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word;
For my eyes have seen Your salvation whuch You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Isreal.

Then they saw Anna
Anna had been a widow for a long time. She had stayed at the Holy Temple since her husband passed away when she was still young. Now she is about 84 (How old is your Grandma?)
Luke 2:37
This woman was a widow of about 84 years, who did not depart from the Temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day
She lived like a monk. Remember Mary grew up in the Holy Temple, so she would have known Anna. I bet she was happy to bring her baby to someone who knew her as a little kid!

Activity Idea-
Ask the kids what they remember from the story of Mary’s Entrance into the Holy Temple
Compare to Jesus’ Entrance