Then the Spirit of God talked to Simeon.

Spirit of God: Simeon, today God’s promise to you will be fulfilled. Go to the temple.
Simeon: Yes, Lord.

Immediately, Simeon went to the temple.

Around the same time, Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus arrived in Jerusalem.

Joseph: We can leave the donkey here to be looked after while we go to the temple.

Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus then went to one of the entrances of the temple, a large staircase leading to Solomon’s Porch.

Joseph: Mary, isn’t this amazing! Look at the size of the stairs.
Mary: Yes, but don’t forget, Joseph, we need to buy the pigeons.

It was the custom for the ceremony of purification to purchase a lamb to offer as a sacrifice, but if people were poor, two turtle doves or two pigeons were acceptable.

Vendor: Here are my best pigeons. I’ll give them to you for a good price.
Mary: Oh, Joseph, there are so many people!

Simeon arrived at the temple and noticed a young couple holding a baby.

Simeon: It’s Him!
Simeon: Excuse me. May I hold your baby?
Simeon: Oh, Lord, blessed be Your name, now I may depart in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared for all people.
Simeon: A light to show Your truth to all nations and to be the glory of Israel!

There was also an old prophetess, a widow named Anna, who was now eighty-four years old. She lived next to the temple, daily praying and serving God.

Boy: Anna, where are you going so fast?
Anna: I need to tell everyone about the baby!
Girl: Which baby, Anna?
Anna: The Messiah is among us! The baby has been born. Praise God!
Priest: The Messiah? Where is he?
Mary: Joseph, let’s go home.
Joseph: Yes, Mary.
Mary: There, my little baby, go to sleep. We will be home soon.