Jesus' parents, following that tradition, brought their first-born son, to Jerusalem to be presented to God. It was a further confirmation of the acceptance of God's will which Mary had expressed to the angel at the Annunciation. "I am the slave girl of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word." Now, with Joseph, she offers her son to God and, in doing so, accepts from God all that will happen to her Child. At this moment, she has no idea of what his life is going to be. However, she receives a veiled intimation from the holy man Simeon, who is overjoyed to see the Messiah before the end of his life. "Let your servant go in peace, because my eyes have seen the salvation, which you have prepared...a light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel." Then come the words of warning. "This child is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel". He will be a sign that is rejected by many "and a sword will pierce your own soul too". That will happen as Mary stands at the foot of the Cross and sees her Son die a terrible death. But she will identify with her Son and with the love for the world of which his death is a sign. Let us, too, during this Christmas season make our unconditional offering of ourselves to the Lord and accept from his hands whatever may come.