First Reading

Reading from the first letter of the apostle Saint John 

1 John 2:12-17

I write to you, children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you have conquered the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have conquered the evil one.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of possessions—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world passes away, and the desires of the flesh with it, but those who do the will of God live forever.

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Luke 

Luke 2:36-40

At that time, there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was a very old woman. She had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and she was now eighty-four years old. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. (When Joseph and Mary entered the temple for the presentation of the child,) Anna came up and gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

When Joseph and Mary had fulfilled everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.