Chapter 7: Mary Goes to the Temple

1Anna cared for her child through the months. When Mary was two years old, Joachim said, “Let’s take her to the Temple of the Lord so that we may keep the promise we made, and so that the Lord won’t be angry with us and find our gift unacceptable.”

2But Anna said, “Let’s wait until her third year, so that she won’t seek her father or mother.”

3Joachim said, “Let’s wait.”

4When the child became three years old, Joachim said, “Let’s call the pure daughters of the Hebrews. Let them take their lamps and have them lit, so that the child won’t turn back and her heart won’t be drawn away from the Temple of the Lord.” They did so until they went up to the Temple of the Lord.

5The priest welcomed Mary, kissed her, and said, “The Lord God has magnified your name among all generations. Through you, the Lord will reveal his redemption of the people of Israel in the last days.”

6He sat her down on the third step of the altar, and the Lord God poured grace upon her. She danced on her feet, and the whole house of Israel loved her.