When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, …The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." …she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. (Lk 2:22-40)
The passage talks about the family in the context of religion, society, nation, and God. Family is the basis of the above mentioned contexts. All the contexts have their influence on the family and the family in turn builds up the religion, the society and the nation. When a family plays its role correctly then it becomes an ideal family.
The family of Nazareth believed in God. Mary obeyed the demands of god and Joseph did the same thing. The child found favour with God. In short the family was God fearing, believing in God, and obeying God. They also observed the requirements of religion particularly of the law of Moses.
The family and in particular the child had a role to play in the society. The child was to bring salvation to the nation and through it the society was to stand up before God. The prophecies of both Simeon and Anna revealed that the child was to have some role in the society. Any family should fulfil its role in front of God and society.
