Children's Liturgy Series: The Presentation of the Lord

In today's Gospel we learn about the presentation of our Lord, Jesus, in the temple.  We meet two very holy people, Simeon and Anna, who immediately recognise Jesus as a very special baby promised by God.

Father in Heaven, we praise and glorify you.  We thank you for bringing us together for this Children's Liturgy lesson.  Please send us the Holy Spirit and fill us with peace, love, and wisdom.  Help us to understand the message you have for us today. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,“Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted-and you yourself a sword will pierce-so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptionsof the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

• Who were the two people who recognized Jesus as special in the temple?
• What did Simeon say about Jesus?
• How did Anna react when she saw Jesus?
• Why do you think it was important for Jesus to be presented at the temple?
• How can we recognize and celebrate Jesus in our own lives?

Dear God, Thank you for teaching us about Jesus and his special visit to the temple. Help us to remember that Jesus is God's greatest gift to us. Help us to remember that the greatest gift we can give back to God is Jesus, through Sunday Mass. Amen.