Luke 2:21-40 KJV
21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Purification of woman after after her monthly cycle seems maybe a bit much. Holiness/purity standards had to be maintained when going one to the Temple and two: for the sacrificial laws for new born male of eight days old and law of circumcision.. This inner area must of been in an area of the Temple that was not the womam court or men's court. Area both could enter. In this area sacrifice given and circumcision was performed. Simeon came in who was old and had been waiting to see the Messiah, God had told him he would see the Messiah before his death. He would see the salvation of Israel who would be the consolation of Israel. Picking the baby up in his arms he blessed him. He also told Mary time would come that her own heart would be pierced speaking of the crucifixion. He would lead many people to God and be a light to the Gentiles.

Anna a prophetess and a widow came into the Temple and testifies while praises God as well. Mary takes it all in. We got to remember Mary had not only been a virgin sexually, but emotionally she was only a young woman, maybe quite impressible that these events would be treasured in her heart.

Whether or not your in the Christmas mood or not I hope our journey through the Christmas story refreshed your heart and mind of the real reason we celebrate Christmas. God was sending his son in peace to teach not only the Jews but the Gentiles too.

God's holiness is not man's holiness, yet he purifies our heart not by ritualism as in cleansing procedures of the Hebrew/Jewish laws, but by faith in Christ we are purified by the blood and cross of the Lamb. A purification that allows us to stand in the presence of God in all purity of our faith. Same purity by the obedience that faith by the law brought.

Dear Heavenly Father thank you purifying your people not only by the Lamb but the fire of your Spirit. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study: Titus 2:11-14 KJV
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 Peter 1:2-3 KJV
2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,