The Temple Steps

When you experience Jerusalem, you realize that speaks! Stone is one physical attribute that remains for centuries. Certain stones were actually "there" in the time period that you want to connect with. They were "there" for the people of long ago to see and use. Many of them are still "here" for us to touch, walk on, and connect with. You can someone feel closer to the One you worship if you remember his parents carried him up these stairs.

A story that I like to remember when I think of these temple steps is found in Luke 2:22-29

I quote here from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

"Mary and Joseph were faithful Jews and observed their religious customs. An important custom was for the couple to take their first-born son to the Temple. The baby was taken to the Temple forty days after his birth and was dedicated to God. In addition, if the parents were wealthy, they were to bring a lamb and a young pigeon or a turtle dove to be offered as a sacrifice at the Temple. The custom provided that if the parents were poor, they were to offer two pigeons or two turtle doves for the sacrifice.

When Jesus was forty days old, Mary and Joseph took Him to the Temple in Jerusalem. They were not wealthy, so they took two turtle doves with them to offer as a sacrifice at the Temple. As they arrived at the Temple, Mary and Joseph were met by a very old man named Simeon. He was a holy man and was noted as a very intelligent scholar. Simeon spent much time studying about the prophets of Israel. It was during his studies that he learned of the coming of the Messiah. The Jewish people were waiting for the Messiah to come and deliver Israel from their conquerors. From that time on, Simeon spent his time praying for the Messiah to come. He spent many years in prayer. Finally, while Simeon was praying he heard the voice of God. God promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.

When Simeon saw Jesus, he took the baby in his arms and blessed the Lord and said:

"Lord, now let Your servant go in peace according to Your promise, because my eyes have seen Your salvation which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory to your people Israel."

You will want to click on this link to see a beautiful two-minute video showing this most touching experience of Mary and Joseph bringing the Christ Child to the temple, and meeting with Simeon, who had waited patiently for this blessed day when he would see with his own eyes, the Christ Child!