Simeon took the child in his arms and gave thanks to God:
At that moment Zechariah was able to speak again, and he started praising God.
The shepherds went back, singing praises to God for all they had heard and seen; it had been just as the angel had told them.
“Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel! He has come to the help of his people and has set them free.
Mary said, “My heart praises the Lord;
Then he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on each of them, and blessed them.
Then he took a child and had him stand in front of them. He put his arms around him and said to them,
You that are righteous, be glad and rejoice because of what the Lord has done. You that obey him, shout for joy!
The Israelites were satisfied and praised God. They no longer talked about going to war to devastate the land where the people of Reuben and Gad had settled.
Led by the Spirit, Simeon went into the Temple. When the parents brought the child Jesus into the Temple to do for him what the Law required,
“Now, Lord, you have kept your promise, and you may let your servant go in peace.