Scripture Reading: Luke 2:22-39
The first Jewish rite which was observed in the case of a child was circumcision. Jesus was circumcised. The time was when He was eight days old. At that time, also, He received His name, Jesus, as the angel had directed. The next religious observance was His presentation in the temple. This was forty days after His birth. An offering was required in connection with this ceremony. The usual offering was a lamb; but when the mother was too poor to give this she might bring a pigeon or a dove. This was what Mary gave, showing the poverty of her family.
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