Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God:
Immediately Zechariah could talk again, and he began praising God.
Then the shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard. It had been just as the angel had told them.
“Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to help his people and has given them freedom.
Then Mary said, “My soul praises the Lord;
Then Jesus took the children in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them.
Then Jesus took a small child and had him stand among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said,
Good people, rejoice and be happy in the Lord. Sing all you whose hearts are right.
They were pleased and thanked God. So they decided not to fight the people of Reuben and Gad and destroy those lands.
The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. When Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple to do what the law said they must do,
“Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant, die in peace as you said.
