Luke 2:22
When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.
Today is the feast day of the Presentation of the Lord. Joseph and Mary bring the young Jesus to the temple per the law, and to make a sacrifice. Anna and Simeon were both there. It was foretold that before Simeon would die, he would hold the infant king. Anna meanwhile had been in the temple most of her entire life lifting prayer to God. Now Jesus comes and they immediately recognize who this is and the Spirit comes upon them and they reveal what is to come and prophesy.
Those that have been brought up in a faith tradition know that it is important to take the children to church, even if they are babies. One reason is to give thanks to God for this precious gift. It also serves as an opportunity for the parents to continue to grow in wisdom and worship the Lord. As a new parent it is easy to slip into the habit of not going to church because the baby was up all night, or the baby will fuss at church, or they'll find it boring. We are all called to go to church, to worship and to give thanks. Some might say that babies shouldn't need to go to church. Jesus did…Mary and Joseph saw to that. We are called to do the same. So when you're at church and the little ones start fussing…don't get upset; instead give thanks!
