Luke 2:21-38
As far as the little child is concerned, all that is laid down in the law of the Lord is carried out. (This name of Lord is repeated four times in vv. 22-24 as if to confirm the divine rights over this child and the fulfilment of God’s will right from the cradle). The sacrifice offered in the temple emphasizes the poverty of Joseph and Mary (read Leviticus 12:8). Yet once more, the Deliverer of Israel is not presented to the leading officials of the people, but instead He is presented to humble, godly old people: Simeon and Anna. Why is this privilege given to them? Because they were waiting for Him!
The Spirit leads Simeon into the temple and reveals to him the One who is "the Consolation of Israel" (v. 25), the Salvation of God, the Light of the Gentiles and the Glory of the people. He sees with his own eyes and holds in his arms this little child, who is all these things to his faith. He gives thanks to God, then announces that the Lord Jesus will be the touchstone revealing the condition of men’s hearts (Isaiah 8:14). He is still this today.
In her turn Anna, a woman of prayer and a faithful witness, arrives and joins in the praise. By not leaving the temple, she experiences Psalms 84:4. Then finally out of the abundance of her heart, she speaks of Him, and in this way what an example she is to us!