When the time came for Mary and Joseph to do what the law of Moses taught about being made pure, they took Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (It is written in the law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be given to the Lord.”) Mary and Joseph also went to offer a sacrifice, as the law of the Lord says: “You must sacrifice two doves or two young pigeons.”
Luke 2: 22-24 NCV
Leviticus 12: 8 describes the required sacrifice for a newborn child: two doves or pigeons were the acceptable offering from the poorest of the poor. The family God chose to raise His Son was very poor in wealth but rich in faith and obedience. I, who have so much, feel humbled.
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Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King,
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
