SCRIPTURE:
Malachi 3:1-3, New Living Translation
The prophet Malachi speaks: The Lord of Heaven’s Armies declares, “I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. The Savior Messiah you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming.”
2 “Who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. 3 He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites [religious leaders], refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.
Luke 2:25-35, New Living Translation
Mary and Joseph take Jesus, 40 days old, to be presented to the Temple in sacred ceremony: 25 There was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen Yahweh’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. 30 I have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared for all people. 32 This child is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”
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