1Start
Forty days after Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph brought him to the temple with an offering of two small birds (Luke 2:22–24; Leviticus 12:2–4).
2Read Together
The law of Moses asked a new mother to bring a lamb and a bird to the temple. A family too poor to buy a lamb could bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons instead (Leviticus 12:6–8).
Luke 2:22 · King James Version
22And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
Luke 2:24 · King James Version
24And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
Leviticus 12:8 · King James Version
8And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.
3What It Teaches
Mary and Joseph brought “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons” (Luke 2:24). That was the offering of a family that could not afford a lamb. They had little money, and they carried the Lamb of God in their arms.
In the temple, Simeon took the child and called him “a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel” (Luke 2:32). At Christmas we read about his long wait. Today we hear what he told Mary.
Simeon warned her, “a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also” (Luke 2:35). Years later, Mary would stand by the cross (John 19:25). Joy and sorrow both came with her calling.
Anna, a widow who served in the temple night and day, came in at that same moment and gave thanks (Luke 2:37–38). A poor family, a devout man, and an aged widow were among the first to recognize the Savior.
4Talk About It
Mary and Joseph gave the offering of a poor family. What could we give the Lord this year that costs us something, even something small?