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This weekend we journey with the new parents and their newborn to the temple in Jerusalem where they go, in obedience, to participate in the rituals of their Jewish faith. Joseph and Mary, in accordance with the Mosaic Law, bring their firstborn to the temple to be consecrated to the Lord. Much to their amazement, they meet two temple-dwellers who offer both praise for the arrival and prophecy for the future of their son. The righteous and devout religious man, Simeon, and the prophetess Anna are able to recognize the baby Jesus as the much-awaited Messiah and offer both praise for his arrival and prophecy for his future. While their figurines don’t appear in our crèche scenes, Simeon and Anna bring the Christmas message of hope that is found in the birth of Jesus. Through their story, may we be challenged to new levels of faith, trust and patience as we seek hope and reconciliation in our own lives.