6 Three persons clad in snow-white robes came in and stood before the child and said, 7 All strength, all wisdom and all love be yours, Immanuel. 8 Now, on the hills of Bethlehem were many flocks of sheep with shepherds guarding them. 9 The shepherds were devout, were men of prayer, and they were waiting for a strong deliverer to come. 10 And when the child of promise came a man in snow-white robe appeared to them, and they fell back in fear. The man stood forth and said, 11 Fear not! behold I bring you joyful news. At midnight in a cave in Bethlehem was born the prophet and the king that you have long been waiting for. 12 And then the shepherds all were glad; they felt that all the hills were filled with messengers of light, who said, 13 All glory be to God on high; peace, peace on earth, good will to men. 14 And then the shepherds came with haste to Bethlehem and to the cave, that they might see and honor him whom men had called Immanuel. 15 Now, when the morning came, a shepherdess whose home was near, prepared a room for Mary, Joseph and the child; and here they tarried many days. 16 And Joseph sent a messenger in haste to Zacharias and Elizabeth to say, The child is born in Bethlehem. 17 And Zacharias and Elizabeth took John and came to Bethlehem with words of cheer. 18 And Mary and Elizabeth recounted all the wondrous things that had transpired. The people joined with them in praising God. 19 According to the custom of the Jews, the child was circumcised; and when they asked, What will you call the child? the mother said, His name is Jesus, as the man of God declared. CHAPTER 4. _Consecration of Jesus. Mary offers sacrifices. Simeon and Anna prophesy. Anna is rebuked for worshipping the child. The family returns to Bethlehem._ Now, Mary took her son, when he was forty days of age, up to the temple in Jerusalem, and he was consecrated by the priest. 2 And then she offered purifying sacrifices for herself, according to the custom of the Jews; a lamb and two young turtle doves. 3 A pious Jew named Simeon was in the temple serving God. 4 From early youth he had been looking for Immanuel to come, and he had prayed to God that he might not depart until his eyes had seen Messiah in the flesh. 5 And when he saw the infant Jesus he rejoiced and said, I now am ready to depart in peace, for I have seen the king. 6 And then he took the infant in his arms and said, Behold, this child will bring a sword upon my people, Israel, and all the world; but he will break the sword and then the nations will learn war no more. 7 The master’s cross I see upon the forehead of this child, and he will conquer by this sign. 8 And in the temple was a widow, four and eighty years of age, and she departed not, but night and day she worshipped God. 9 And when she saw the infant Jesus she exclaimed, Behold Immanuel! Behold the signet cross of the Messiah on his brow!